Book 1 Chapter 11 The Trial - Maslova Cross-examined

"I am not guilty of anything," boldly and firmly replied the
prisoner. "I never went near the room, but when this baggage went
in she did the whole business."

"You will say all this afterwards," the president again said,
quietly and firmly. "So you do not plead guilty?"

"I did not take the money nor give the drink, nor go into the
room. Had I gone in I should have kicked her out."

"So you do not plead guilty?"

"Never."

"Very well."

"Katerina Maslova," the president began, turning to the third
prisoner, "you are accused of having come from the brothel with
the key of the merchant Smelkoff's portmanteau, money, and a
ring." He said all this like a lesson learned by heart, leaning
towards the member on his left, who was whispering into his ear
that a bottle mentioned in the list of the material evidence was
missing. "Of having stolen out of the portmanteau money and a
ring," he repeated, "and shared it. Then, returning to the
lodging house Mauritania with Smelkoff, of giving him poison in
his drink, and thereby causing his death. Do you plead guilty?"

"I am not guilty of anything," she began rapidly. "As I said
before I say again, I did not take it--I did not take it; I did
not take anything, and the ring he gave me himself."

"You do not plead guilty of having stolen 2,500 roubles?" asked
the president.

"I've said I took nothing but the 40 roubles."

"Well, and do you plead guilty of having given the merchant
Smelkoff a powder in his drink?"