The Mayor of a provincial Russian town makes an announcement. Among the people gathered before him are important civic leaders, such as the Judge, the Inspector of Schools, the Chief of Police, the Warden of Charities, and the District Physician, as well as two police constables. The Mayor reveals that a government inspector has been dispatched to the town from the Russian capital, St. Petersburg. This inspector will be undercover and will have “secret instructions” (249). An ominous warning came to the Mayor in a dream, which was then confirmed by a letter written to him by a friend who has detailed knowledge of the government’s plans. The inspector will present himself as an ordinary person, thus allowing him to root out corruption in small towns. This letter-writing friend warned the Mayor that he should prepare himself.

The civic leaders are shocked. There may be political motivations for the inspection, the Judge warns, though the Mayor denies the idea that there may be traitors in their midst. Nevertheless, they should make sure that they are safeguarded against any prying inspectors. He believes that the Warden of Charities will be the first to be scrutinized, while he recommends to the Doctor to ready his wards.