"you see, it is very important, it is most important to know where you got this report from," said lebedeff, excitedly. he had risen from his seat, and was trying to keep step with the prince, running after him, up and down. "because look here, prince, i don’t mind telling you now that as we were going along to wilkin’s this morning, after telling me what you know about the fire, and saving the count and all that, the general was pleased to drop certain hints to the same effect about ferdishenko, but so vaguely and clumsily that i thought better to put a few questions to him on the matter, with the result that i found the whole thing was an invention of his excellency’s own mind. of course, he only lies with the best intentions; still, he lies. but, such being the case, where could you have heard the same report? it was the inspiration of the moment with him, you understand, so who could have told you? it is an important question, you see!"