Porfiry comes speak with him and Raskolnikov immediately worries that the magistrate will trick him into revealing his guilt. However, Porfiry says he has has merely come to apologize for causing Raskolnikov such suffering. Porfiry admits being certain that Raskolnikov would eventually fall into one of their traps and confess.
The circumstantial evidence was overwhelming, he adds. Even now, he is sure the painter will retract his confession. In fact, Porfiry goes on, ominously, the murderer is still at large and "still regards himself as an honest man. The tension rises as Porfiry comes closer and closer to the truth. When Raskolnikov finally asks whom Porfiry suspects, the magistrate whispers, "Why, you are the murderer, my dear fellow!" Raskolnikov continues to deny it. Porfiry admits he still has no real evidence but.....
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