into the flame!"

The kibitka came slowly after us. In five minutes we reached a small
house, all lighted up. The officer left me under a strong guard, and
entered to announce my capture. He returned almost instantly, saying
that I was ordered to prison, and her ladyship to the presence of the
Major.

"Is he mad?" I cried.

"I can not tell, your lordship."

I jumped up the steps--the sentinels had not time to stop me--and burst
into the room where six hussar officers were playing faro. The Major
kept the bank. I instantly recognized the Major as Ivan Zourine, who
had so thoroughly emptied my purse at Simbirsk. "Is it possible? is
this you Ivan Zourine?"

"Halloo! Peter; what luck? where are you from? will you take a chance?"

"Thanks; I would rather have some apartments assigned me."

"No need of apartments, stay with me."

"I can not; I am not alone."

"Bring your comrade with you."

"I am not with a comrade; I am with--a lady."