He was calm, scrutinising an ancient salt box, decorated with enamel; he twisted his moustache and looked as though he had not heard the old man's words.

But his eyes grew darker, and his lips were compressed very tightly, and his clean-shaven chin obstinately projected forward.
"And so, my future leading manufacturer," said Mayakin, as though nothing had happened, "three hundred thousand roubles, and your business will flash up like a fire ?" "And within a year and a half I shall send out the first lot of goods, which will be eagerly sought for," said Smolin, simply, with unshakable confidence, and he eyed the old man with a cold and firm look.
"So be it; the firm of Smolin and Mayakin, and that's all?
So.

Only it seems rather late for me to start a new business, doesn't it?
I presume the grave has long been prepared for me; what do you think of it ?" Instead of an answer Smolin burst into a rich, but indifferent and cold laughter, and then said: "Oh, don't say that." The old man shuddered at his laughter, and started back with fright, with a scarcely perceptible movement of his body.

After Smolin's words all three maintained silence for about a minute.
"Yes," said Mayakin, without lifting his head, which was bent low.

"It is necessary to think of that.