might be charged with over zeal, but not with disobedience. My friendly intercourse with Pougatcheff, however, could be proved by a multitude of witnesses, and would appear, to say the least, very suspicious. I thought much over the inquiry that awaited me, framed my replies, and made up my mind to speak the whole truth, believing such a course to be the simplest, and at the same time the most hopeful.
I reached Kazan, deserted and consumed by fire. Where once had stood the houses, lay heaps of ashes on either side the streets, while blackened walls, windowless and roofless, stood out here and there. Such were the traces Pougatcheff had left behind him. I was taken to the fortress, which alone had escaped the conflagration. The hussars handed me over to the officer on guard. He sent for the blacksmith. Chains were put on my feet and soldered together. I was then conveyed to prison, and left alone in a small and dark cell, with bare walls and a window secured with iron bars.
Such a beginning forebode no good. However, I lost neither courage nor hope. I sought refuge in the consolation of all who are heavy laden; and having for the first time tasted the sweetness of prayer, issuing from a pure though broken heart, I sank into a quiet sleep, unconcerned as to what awaited me.
I was awoke by the jailer the next morning, who announced to me that my presence was required before the commission. A couple of soldiers escorted me across the court-yard into the commandant's house; they remained in the hall, and I was suffered to enter alone.
