Johann Schmidt had not fled from the scene of action out of any consideration for his personal safety.

He was, indeed, a braver man than Dumnoff, in proportion as he was more intelligent, and though of a very different temper, by no means averse to a fight if it came into his way.
He had foreseen what was sure to happen, and had realised sooner than any one else that the only person who could set everything straight was Fischelowitz himself.

So soon as he was clear of pursuit, therefore, he turned in the direction of the tobacconist's dwelling, walking as quickly as he could where there were many people and running at the top of his speed through such empty by-streets as lay in the direct line of his course.

He rushed up the three flights of steps and rang sharply at the door.
Akulina's unmistakable step was heard in the passage a moment later.
Schmidt would have preferred that Fischelowitz should have come himself, though he managed to live on very good terms with Akulina.

Though far from tactful he guessed that in a matter concerning the Count, the tobacconist would prove more obliging than his wife.
"What is the matter ?" inquired the mistress of the house, opening the door wide after she had recognised the Cossack in the feeble light of the staircase, by looking through the little hole in the panel.
"Good-evening, Frau Fischelowitz," said Schmidt, trying to appear as calm and collected as possible.