X
Nezhdanov rose from his place to meet him, while Markelov went straight up to him, and, without a bow or a smile, asked him, 'Was he Alexey Dmitriev Nezhdanov, student of the Petersburg University?'
'Yes . . . certainly,' answered Nezhdanov.
Markelov pulled an open letter out of his side pocket. 'In that case, read this. From Vassily Nikolaevitch,' he added, dropping his voice significantly.
Nezhdanov unfolded and read the letter. It was something of the nature of a half-official circular, in which the bearer, Sergei Markelov, was recommended as one of 'us', fully deserving of confidence; there followed, further, an exhortation concerning the urgent necessity of concerted action, and the propaganda of certain principles. The circular was addressed to Nezhdanov among others, also as being a trustworthy person.
Nezhdanov held out his hand to Markelov,
109
