'But he's a Czech, isn't he?'

'I don't know; may be. He talks German with his wife.'

'And why does he call himself a veteran of the year twelve? Was he in
the militia, or what?'

'In the militia! indeed! At the time of the fire he remained in Moscow
and lost all his property.... That was all he did.'

'But what did he stay in Moscow for?'

Fustov still went on with his turning.

'The Lord knows. I have heard that he was a spy on our side; but that
must be nonsense. But it's a fact that he received compensation from the
treasury for his losses.'

'He wears some sort of uniform.... I suppose he's in government service
then?'

'Yes. Professor in the cadet's corps. He has the rank of a petty
councillor.'

'What's his wife like?'

'A German settled here, daughter of a sausagemaker... or butcher....'

'And do you often go to see him?'