"Look here, Chichikov.

I tell you in the most friendly way possible that every one here likes you--yes, including even the Governor.

Nevertheless, had I my way, I would hang you! Yes, by God I would!" Chichikov's discomfiture was complete.
"And, would you believe it, your Excellency," went on Nozdrev, "but this fellow actually said to me, 'Sell me your dead souls!' Why, I laughed till I nearly became as dead as the souls.

And, behold, no sooner do I arrive here than I am told that he has bought three million roubles' worth of peasants for transferment! For transferment, indeed! And he wanted to bargain with me for my DEAD ones! Look here, Chichikov.

You are a swine! Yes, by God, you are an utter swine! Is not that so, your Excellency?
Is not that so, friend Prokurator [34] ?" But both his Excellency, the Public Prosecutor, and Chichikov were too taken aback to reply.