When Makar Semyonich heard the story as to why Aksionov has been kept in Siberia, he became excited. He said, “It is wonderful that we should meet here.” Aksionov asked anxiously if he knew who had murdered the merchant. He blurted out, “how could anyone put a knife into your bag while it was under your head? It would have surely woken you up.” From this Aksionov got the clue that Makar was the murderer and he recognised him clearly.