“‘You see,’ said he, ‘it was this way: we’ve got another Làptev, the young man you just saw; and he’s concerned in a very bad business. We thought that he had made those pills. And when the doctors declared that they were poison, we thought of course there might be.... Then, you see, the box was addressed in your name, and so we sent word to have you arrested, ... and those blockheads of gendarmes went and played the very deuce.’
“‘Yes, indeed, your Excellency,’ said I; ‘I shan’t forget it in this life.’
“‘Well, really, you see, it can’t be helped; they’re stupid, ignorant men, and you know yourself what dangerous times we live in nowadays.’
“‘Yes,’ said I, ‘God knows the times are bad enough!’
“Well, so after that I felt a bit encouraged; and I asked him—
“‘Please, your honour, where is my apothecary?’
“‘That’s just the very thing I’ve got to find out,’ said he. ‘There seems to have been another mistake made over him.’ And he began telling me about it. ‘There must have been a muddle at the head office.... This young man’s name is Làptev too, and he was to be forwarded on; and it seems that, instead of him, they forwarded on your apothecary.... However, all that will be put straight.’
“‘And what’s to happen to me now,’ said I, ‘if you please?’
“‘You may go.’
“‘Go quite away?’