Why has he deigned to pay us a visit? If
he do not recognize you as Tzar, he needs not to ask justice of you; if,
on the other hand, he do recognize you, wherefore, then, has he stayed
in Orenburg until now, in the midst of your enemies. Will you order that
he be tried by fire?[64] It would appear that his lordship is sent to us
by the Generals in Orenburg."
The logic of the old rascal appeared plausible even to me. An
involuntary shudder thrilled through me as I remembered in whose hands I
was.
Pugatchef saw my disquiet.
"Eh, eh! your lordship," said he, winking, "it appears to me my
field-marshal is right. What do you think of it?"
The banter of Pugatchef in some measure restored me to myself.
I quietly replied that I was in his power, and that he could do with me
as he listed.
"Very well," said Pugatchef; "now tell me in what state is your town?"
"Thank God," replied I, "all is in good order."
"In good order!" repeated Pugatchef, "and the people are dying of hunger
there."
The usurper spoke truth; but, according to the duty imposed on me by my
oath, I assured him it was a false report, and that Orenburg was amply
victualled.
"You see," cried the little old man, "that he is deceiving you.
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