A group of listeners had already assembled in the corridor. Grischka's eyes flashed, and he set his teeth.
"I don't call out, and I am not afraid.... But if you are so very anxious to give me a lesson ... then I shall have something to say about it."
"Well, say it then quickly!"
"I shall go into town, and tell every one, 'My good people, listen! and I will tell you how they cure the cholera!'"
"W-what?" said the doctor; opening still wider his eyes.
"Yes, and we'll all come up here together; and we'll help you to disinfect with a vengeance ... we'll make a bonfire!"
The doctor's anger had turned to intense astonishment, as he listened to this man, whom he had known as a decent hard-working fellow, but who was now carried away with these mad rebellious fancies.
"What are you saying, you fool?... How can you be so stupid!"
The word "stupid" jarred on Grischka's sensibilities. He realized that he had fully deserved the title, but the consciousness of this increased his rage.
"I know very well what I am saying!" he added with glowing eyes. "It's all the same to me.... To such as I am, it's all the same, at any time; it's useless for us to try and restrain our impulses. Come, Matrona, pack up your traps!"