Raskolnikov sleeps for a long time. When he finally wakes up, he panics and fears that he is losing his mind. He remembers his strange decisions from the previous day: He did not hide any of the items he stole, nor did he lock his door. As he belatedly hides the stolen goods, he wonders whether the punishment for his crimes has already begun. Drifting in and out of awareness, he stashes the items in a hidden hole in his room, worries about the bloodstains on his clothes, and collapses into a deep, delirious sleep.

The servant Nastasia hammers on the door and wakes Raskolnikov. She has brought the building porter, who hands Raskolnikov a letter summoning him to the police station. Nastasia worries that Raskolnikov is developing a fever. He prepares to go, dressing in his dirty clothes. When he sees that his socks are covered in blood, he is disgusted, as he does not have any others. While he walks to the station, he debates whether he should confess to his crimes.

The police station smells of fresh paint, reminding Raskolnikov of the room where he hid. The small, crowded rooms of the police station make Raskolnikov feels awkward and feverish.