Excuse a vulgar question, but how much money do you have?"
"What money?"
"All kinds-including silver and copper."
"Thirty-five roubles."
"And I suppose you intended to recover the entire outlay on the enterprise with that much money? "
Ippolit Matveyevich was silent.
"Here's the point, dear boss.
I reckon you understand me.
You will have to be the master-mind and person close to the emperor for an hour or so."
"Why?"
"Because we need capital.
Tomorrow's my wedding.
I'm not a beggar.
I want to have a good time on that memorable day."
"What do T have to do?" groaned Ippolit Matveyevich.
"You have to keep quiet.
Puff out your cheeks now and then to look important."
"But that's. . .fraud!"
"Who are you to talk-Count Tolstoy or Darwin?
That comes well from a man who was only yesterday preparing to break into Gritsatsuyev's apartment at night and steal her furniture.
Don't think too much.
Just keep quiet and don't forget to puff out your cheeks."
"Why involve ourselves in such a dangerous business.
We might be betrayed."
"Don't worry about that.
I don't bet on poor odds.
We'll work it so that none of them understands anything.
Let's have some tea."
While the concessionaires were eating and drinking, and the parrot was cracking sunflower seeds, the guests began arriving at the apartment.
Nikesha and Vladya came with Victor Mikhailovich.
He was hesitant to introduce the young men to the master-mind.
They sat down in a corner and watched the father of Russian democracy eating cold veal.
Nikesha and Vladya were complete and utter gawks.
Both were in their late twenties and were apparently very pleased at being invited to the meeting.
Charusknikov, the former Tsarist town councillor, was a fat, elderly man. He gave Ippolit Matveyevich a prolonged handshake and peered into his face.
Under the supervision of Ostap, the old-timers began exchanging reminiscences.
As soon as the conversation was moving smoothly, Ostap turned to Charushnikov.
"Which regiment were you in?"
Charushnikov took a deep breath.
"I . . . I . . . wasn't, so to speak, in any, since I was entrusted with the confidence of society and was elected to office."
"Are you a member of the upper class?"
"Yes, I was."
"I hope you still are.
Stand firm!
We shall need your help.
Has Polesov told you?
We will be helped from abroad.
It's only a question of public opinion.
The organization is strictly secret.
Be careful!"