They had surrounded
Saveliitch, and had obliged the poor old man to get off his horse, and
were making ready to bind him.
The sight of me filled them with joy. They rushed upon me with shouts,
and in a moment I was off my horse. One of them, who appeared to be the
leader, told me they were going to take me before the Tzar.
"And our father," added he, "will decide whether you are to be hung at
once or if we are to wait for God's sunshine!"
I offered no resistance. Saveliitch followed my example, and the
sentries led us away in triumph.
We crossed the ravine to enter the settlement. All the peasants' houses
were lit up. All around arose shouts and noise. I met a crowd of people
in the street, but no one paid any attention to us, or recognized in me
an officer of Orenburg. We were taken to a "_izba_," built in the angle
of two streets. Near the door were several barrels of wine and two
cannons.
"Here is the palace!" said one of the peasants; "we will go and announce
you."
He entered the "_izba_." I glanced at Saveliitch; the old man was making
the sign of the cross, and muttering prayers. We waited a long time. At
last the peasant reappeared, and said to me--
"Come, our father has given orders that the officer be brought in.
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