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And again, enraged, he tugged with all his might a dozen times at

the bell. He must certainly be a man of authority and an intimate

acquaintance.

At this moment light hurried steps were heard not far off, on the

stairs. Someone else was approaching. Raskolnikov had not heard

them at first.

"You don't say there's no one at home," the new-comer cried in a

cheerful, ringing voice, addressing the first visitor, who still

went on pulling the bell. "Good evening, Koch."

"From his voice he must be quite young," thought Raskolnikov.

"Who the devil can tell? I've almost broken the lock," answered

Koch. "But how do you come to know me?"

"Why! The day before yesterday I beat you three times running at

billiards at Gambrinus'."

"Oh!"

"So they are not at home? That's queer. It's awfully stupid

though. Where could the old woman have gone? I've come on

business."

"Yes; and I have business with her, too."