Chapter Three Summary

Cincinnatus awakes to noises, and he believes it must be time for his execution. His lawyer comes in, worriedly looking for his lost cufflink. That's what all the fuss is about. Cincinnatus lies down in the cot and tells the lawyer, Roman Vissarionovich, that the people around him aren't real. He presses Roman to let him know when the execution is scheduled. Roman avoids the question, chiding Cincinnatus at his unnatural behavior. Instead, he offers the prisoner copies of the trial transcript. Cincinnatus tears up the special envelope for requesting transcripts.

The prison director, Rodrig Ivanovich, enters. He has found the lawyer's cufflink. He also informs Cincinnatus that another prisoner is coming to the prison and will keep Cincinnatus company. When Cincinnatus again asks how much time he has, the lawyer and prison director accuse him of being arrogant and ill-mannered...