The other shook his head.
“No, only to you. Our circle thought that as Haldin had been often heard expressing a warm appreciation of your character....”
Razumov could not restrain a gesture of angry despair which the other must have misunderstood in some way, because he ceased speaking and turned away his black, lack-lustre eyes.
They moved side by side in silence. Then the gaunt student began to whisper again, with averted gaze—
“As we have at present no one affiliated inside the fortress so as to make it possible to furnish him with a packet of poison, we have considered already some sort of retaliatory action—to follow very soon....”
Razumov trudging on interrupted—
“Were you acquainted with Haldin? Did he know where you live?”
“I had the happiness to hear him speak twice,” his companion answered in the feverish whisper contrasting with the gloomy apathy of his face and bearing. “He did not know where I live.... I am lodging poorly with an artisan family.... I have just a corner in a room. It is not very practicable to see me there, but if you should need me for anything I am ready....”
Razumov trembled with rage and fear. He was beside himself, but kept his voice low.
“You are not to come near me. You are not to speak to me. Never address a single word to me. I forbid you.”