I am surprised that
I'm still allowed to roam at large, although it's true that I've never
really interested myself in practical politics or taken part in any
schemes. I have taken advantage of this oversight on the part of the
police to put you on your guard and find out what had best be done to
avoid any unpleasantness."

Mariana listened to Paklin to the end. She did not seem alarmed; on the
other hand she was quite calm. But something must really be done! She
fixed her eyes on Solomin.

He was also composed; only around his lips there was the faintest
movement of the muscles; but it was not his habitual smile.

Solomin understood the meaning of Mariana's glance; she waited for him
to say what had best be done.

"It's a very awkward business," he began; "I don't think it would do
Nejdanov any harm to go into hiding for a time. But, by the way, how did
you get to know that he was here, Mr. Paklin?"

Paklin gave a wave of the hand.

"A certain individual told me. He had seen him preaching about the
neighbourhood and had followed him, though with no evil intent. He is a
sympathiser. Excuse me," he added, turning to Mariana, "is it true that
our friend Nejdanov has been very... very careless?"

"It's no good blaming him now," Solomin began again. "What a pity we
can't talk things over with him now, but by tomorrow he will be all
right again. The police don't do things as quickly as you seem to
imagine. You will have to go away with him, Mariana Vikentievna."

"Certainly," she said resolutely, a lump rising in her throat.

"Yes," Solomin said, "we must think it over, consider ways and means."

"May I make a suggestion?" Paklin began. "It entered my head as I was
coming along here. I must tell you, by the way, that I dismissed the
cabman from the town a mile away from here."

"What is your suggestion?" Solomin asked.

"Let me have some horses at once and I'll gallop off to the Sipiagins."

"To the Sipiagins!" Mariana exclaimed. "Why?"

"You will see."

"But do you know them?"

"Not at all! But listen. Do think over my suggestion thoroughly. It
seems to me a brilliant one. Markelov is Sipiagin's brother-in-law,
his wife's brother, isn't that so? Would this gentleman really make
no attempt to save him? And as for Nejdanov himself, granting that Mr.
Sipiagin is most awfully angry with him, still he has become a relation
of his by marrying you. And the danger hanging over our friend--"

"I am not married,"