Chapter Ten Summary

M'sieur Pierre visits Cincinnatus again, commenting on the progress he's making in befriending the other prisoner. Pierre admits that the director fauns over him, chiding Cincinnatus for acting jealous. Then, Pierre says that he sees something on Cincinnatus's neck, and he examines his fellow prisoner's neck almost lovingly. He finds Cincinnatus's neck in good order.

Pierre tells Cincinnatus that he is accused of trying to help Cincinnatus escape. He claims never to lie, but he will not say if the charges are true. He adds that they will walk up the scaffold together. Cincinnatus decides to believe Pierre and even thanks him. Then, Pierre defends both Rodion and the prison director to Cincinnatus, who obviously dislikes both men. Cincinnatus asks again about the date of the execution, but Pierre chides him for his curiosity.

Cincinnatus hints that someone else might try...