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ABSALOM VLADIMIROVICH IZNURENKOV

DIFFICULT time began for the two adventurers. Bender insisted that they should strike while the iron was hot. Hippolyte was no longer in such disgrace, but from time to time Bender would attack him: 'What the devil did I link up with you for? What's the good of you? You should go home and back to your office. The dead and the newly-born are waiting for you. Pack up and go!'

But in his heart Bender had grown quite fond of Hippolyte. Life would be dull without him, he thought, and there would be plenty of work for him in the new scheme. As soon as Ivanopulo had gone out of his room Bender used to coach his friend in the best way of finding the treasure.

'You must act boldly. Never ask for any one's advice, and the more cynical you are the better. People like it. Never undertake anything through a third party; there are no fools left. No one will pull those diamonds out of a stranger's pocket for you. Only don't commit any crimes, for we must respect the law.'

And yet the results of their investigations were none too brilliant. The law was an obstruction; so was the number of bourgeois prejudices which the Moscow citizens still retained. For example, they resented nocturnal visits through their windows. Yes, they would have to keep within the law.

Their third trophy, the chair which had been exchanged for a tea-strainer, now stood in Ivanopulo's room. The time had gone by when the chase for diamonds created such strong emotions in the two