“It’s a matter of very delicate politics. That means, it simply had to be done. I won’t tell you why. Indeed, I couldn’t tell you if I really wished to. I don’t know myself, I can only venture to guess. But what is a guess worth?” “Yes,” said Trirodov, “it is quite true that it is impossible for you to know this. Continue your tale.” “This same affair,” said Ostrov, “is a very profitable article for us just now. Indeed, an article in the budget, as they say.” “Why?” Trirodov’s face did not reveal any astonishment, as Ostrov went on: “We have Potseluytchikov among us, a very lively individual.” “A thief?” asked Trirodov abruptly. Ostrov smiled almost consciously, and said: “Not exactly a thief, still one’s got to be careful with him. An able man in his way.” Ostrov’s eyes assumed a frankly insolent expression. Trirodov asked: “What sort of relation has he to this article in your budget?” “We send him out to the rich men of the place.” “To blackmail them?” asked Trirodov. Ostrov replied with complete readiness: “Precisely. Let us suppose that he comes to Mr. Moneybags. ‘I have,’ he tells him, ‘a thing to tell you in confidence, a thing of great personal interest to you.’ Left alone with Mr. Moneybags he says to him: ‘Five hundred roubles, if you please!’ The other, it goes without saying, is up on his hind legs. ‘What for? What sort of demand is this?’ ‘I mean what I say,’ says the other chap. ‘Otherwise,’ he says, ‘I will put your eldest son in gaol. I can prove that your eldest son has had something to do with the murder of the gallant Chief of Police.’” “They give?” asked Trirodov. “Some give, some escort you out of the door,” replied Ostrov. “A lovely crowd!” observed Trirodov contemptuously. “And what may you be planning now?” With the same involuntary obedience Ostrov told Trirodov how their company was conspiring to steal a miracle-performing ikon from a neighbouring monastery. The plan was to burn the ikon and to sell the precious stones with which it was covered. It was a difficult affair, as the ikon was under guard. But Ostrov’s friends were counting on taking advantage of one of the summer feasts, when the monks, escorting distinguished pilgrims, would have drunk freely. The thieves had still a month in which to make preparations for the theft; they meant to make use of this time by becoming friendly with the monks, and in this way familiarize themselves with all the conditions. Trirodov, having listened without interrupting, said to Ostrov: “Forget that you have told me all this. Goodbye.” Ostrov gave a start. He appeared as if he had just awakened. Without comprehending the causes of his oppressive confusion he bade his host goodbye and left. Trirodov decided that the bishop of the local diocese must be warned of the contemplated theft of the miracle-performing ikon.