They felt behind his silence a personality that might indeed be equal to Semyonov's own.

By little Andrey Vassilievitch they were always being assured: "Nikitin! A most remarkable man! You may believe me.

I have known him for many years.

A great friend of my poor wife's and mine...." They did not appear to be great friends.

Nikitin quite obviously avoided the little man whenever it was possible.