These two documents left every one thunderstruck, for they knocked on the head all previous conceptions and theories.

Not for a moment could it be supposed that the former document referred to Chichikov; yet, as each man pondered the position from his own point of view, he remembered that no one REALLY knew who Chichikov was; as also that his vague references to himself had--yes!--included statements that his career in the service had suffered much to the cause of Truth, and that he possessed a number of enemies who were seeking his life.

This gave the tchinovniks further food for thought.

Perhaps his life really DID stand in danger?
Perhaps he really WAS being sought for by some one?
Perhaps he really HAD done something of the kind above referred to?
As a matter of fact, who was he ?--not that it could actually be supposed that he was a forger of notes, still less a brigand, seeing that his exterior was respectable in the highest degree.

Yet who was he?
At length the tchinovniks decided to make enquiries among those of whom he had purchased souls, in order that at least it might be learnt what the purchases had consisted of, and what exactly underlay them, and whether, in passing, he had explained to any one his real intentions, or revealed to any one his identity.