"You've represented me, no doubt, as a member from abroad, an inspector in connection with the _Internationale?_" Stavrogin asked suddenly. "No, not an inspector; you won't be an inspector; but you are one of the original members from abroad, who knows the most important secrets--that's your rôle. You are going to speak, of course?" "What's put that idea into your head?" "Now you are bound to speak." Stavrogin positively stood still in the middle of the street in surprise, not far from a street lamp. Pyotr Stepanovitch faced his scrutiny calmly and defiantly. Stavrogin cursed and went on. "And are you going to speak?" he suddenly asked Pyotr Stepanovitch. "No, I am going to listen to you." "Damn you, you really are giving me an idea!" "What idea?" Pyotr Stepanovitch asked quickly. "Perhaps I will speak there, but afterwards I will give you a hiding--and a sound one too, you know." "By the way, I told Karmazinov this morning that you said he ought to be thrashed, and not simply as a form but to hurt, as they flog peasants." "But I never said such a thing; ha ha!" "No matter. _Se non è vero..._" "Well, thanks. I am truly obliged." "And another thing. Do you know, Karmazinov says that the essence of our creed is the negation of honour, and that by the open advocacy of a right to be dishonourable a Russian can be won over more easily than by anything." "An excellent saying! Golden words!" cried Stavrogin. "He's hit the mark there! The right to dishonour--why, they'd all flock to us for that, not one would stay behind! And listen, Verhovensky, you are not one of the higher police, are you?" "Anyone who has a question like that in his mind doesn't utter it." "I understand, but we are by ourselves." "No, so far I am not one of the higher police. Enough, here we are. Compose your features, Stavrogin; I always do mine when I go in. A gloomy expression, that's all, nothing more is wanted; it's a very simple business." CHAPTER VII. A MEETING I