was not a shadow of doubt that he had betrayed Nezhdanov; the police might make a raid upon the factory any minute. Vassily Fedotitch, too, was in some danger. 'As far as I'm concerned,' added Paklin, 'I'm surprised really that I'm still walking about at liberty; though to be sure I have never taken any part precisely in politics and had no hand in any plans. I have taken advantage of this forgetfulness or oversight on the part of the police to warn you and consult you as to what means may be employed . . . to avert all unpleasantness.'
Marianna heard Paklin to the end. She was not frightened—she even remained perfectly serene.. . . But to be sure, some steps would have to be taken! Her first action was to look to Solomin.
He, too, seemed composed; only the muscles were faintly twitching about his lips, with something unlike his habitual smile.
He understood what her look meant; she was waiting for him to say what steps were to be taken.
'It's rather a ticklish business, certainly,' he began; 'it would be as well, I imagine, for Nezhdanov to keep in hiding for a time. By the way, how did you learn that he was here, Mr. Paklin?'
Paklin waved his hand.
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