_ II
MAHIN was his schoolfellow, his senior, a grown-up young man
with a moustache. He gambled, had a large feminine acquaintance,
and always had ready cash. He lived with his aunt. Mitia quite
realised that Mahin was not a respectable fellow, but when he was
in his company he could not help doing what he wished. Mahin was
in when Mitia called, and was just preparing to go to the theatre.
His untidy room smelt of scented soap and eau-de-Cologne.
"That's awful, old chap," said Mahin, when Mitia telling him
about his troubles, showed the coupon and the fifty kopeks,
and added that he wanted nine roubles more. "We might,
of course, go and pawn your watch. But we might do something
far better." And Mahin winked an eye.
"What's that?"
"Something quite simple." Mahin took the coupon in his hand.
" Put ONE before the 2.50 and it will be 12.50."
"But do such coupons exist?"
"Why, certainly; the thousand roubles notes have coupons of 12.50.
I have cashed one in the same way."
"You don't say so?"
"Well, yes or no?" asked Mahin, taking the pen and smoothing
the coupon with the fingers of his left hand.
"But it is wrong."
"Nonsense!"
"Nonsense, indeed," thought Mitia, and again his father's hard
words came back to his memory. "Scoundrel! As you called
me that, I might as well be it." He looked into Mahin's face.
Mahin looked at him, smiling with perfect ease.
"Well?" he said.
"All right. I don't mind."
Mahin carefully wrote the unit in front of 2.50.
"Now let us go to the shop across the road; they sell photographers'
materials there. I just happen to want a frame--for this young person here
"He took out of his pocket a photograph of a young lady with large eyes,
luxuriant hair, and an uncommonly well-developed bust.
"Is she not sweet? Eh?"
"Yes, yes. . .of course. . ."
"Well, you see.--But let us go."
Mahin took his coat, and they left the house. _