Without the quiver of an eyelid, an eyelash, Juve answered: "I am he whom you have awaited.... He who will direct your arms—guide you! I am Trokoff!"
"Let but one of these inspired fanatics, who hold life cheap, guess that I belong to the police, and they would kill me without mercy or pity," thought Juve, as he faced the assembly of revolutionaries with a serene countenance.
There were no threatening looks. They believed themselves to be in the presence of Trokoff. Had he not opened the door?... Only Trokoff, the expected, the longed for, could have done that!
The assembly acclaimed him:
"Trokoff! We for Russia welcome you! God be with you, Trokoff! Heaven guard you!"
"God be with you, brothers!"
Juve advanced, scrutinising each in turn: neither Vagualame nor Bobinette were among them.
Juve addressed them:
"My brothers! You know that the police are now searching the shop overhead: it is a serious moment!"
One of the Nihilists stepped forward.