When words go against each other, even half a sentence is too much; seeing that there was no way to drag this fellow townsman onto the boat with him, Royaevsky could only choose to give up.
He said in the end, "Since that's how it is, then look after yourself. For the sake of our being from the same place, I'll give you one reminder: if something happens in the coming days, find yourself a safe corner and don't get involved."
Karchichev said coolly, "Thanks."
Since that was that, Royaevsky could only stand up from the crate and walk off in another direction, leaving Karchichev nothing but a cold, austere back.
...
Night.
In a trench somewhere, Royaevsky was conspiring with a man whose face he didn't know.
"Well, Royaevsky, how many men today did you manage to win over who see eye to eye with us?"
Royaevsky shook his head and said, "Mr. Ilya, it's going very badly. There are quite a few who stand on our side, but they're not willing to take part in our action."
