he had been detained, I turned to deliver him. As I approached the ditch, I heard a noise in the distance—shouts and Savelitch's voice. Hurrying on, I soon found myself again in the midst of the mujiks on guard, who had stopped me a few minutes previously. Savelitch was amongst them. They threw themselves upon me with loud cries, and dragged me off my horse in an instant. One of them, evidently the man in charge, declared that he would take us before the emperor immediately.
"And our father is free to order," he added, "whether you are to be hanged at once, or whether you are to await God's daylight."
I offered no resistance. Savelitch followed my example, and the sentinels led us away in triumph.
We crossed the ditches and entered the village. Fires were burning in all the huts. Shouts and noises resounded everywhere. I met a crowd in the streets; but no one noticed us in the dark, nor was I recognized as being an officer from Orenburg. We were taken straight to a hut, which stood at a crossing. In front of it were several wine casks and two cannon.
"Here is the palace," said one of the mujiks. "I shall announce you at once."
He entered the hut. I looked at Savelitch; the old man was crossing himself, and muttering a prayer. I had to wait a long time; at last the mujik returned, and said to me—
"Go in, our father has ordered the officer to be admitted."
