crime and punishment

Throughout his killing of the pawnbroker and her sister, Raskolnikov has made numerous mistakes which nearly result in his capture more than once.  His final one occurs when two men enter the apartment and then leave; he hides in a vacant apartment where painters have been working and managed to leave when there is a "break in the action."  He exits through the front door, goes home the long way, and returns the ax to the place where he found it.  He then returns to his room.