rebellion. We heard of Pougatcheff in the Ural regions, and on the way
to Moscow. But he was captured. The war was over. Zourine received
orders to return his troops to their posts. I jumped about the room
like a boy. Zourine shrugged his shoulders, and said: "Wait till you
are married, and see how foolish you are!"

I had leave of absence. In a few days I would be at home and united
to Marie. One day Zourine came into my room with a paper in his hand,
and sent away the servant.

"What's the matter?" said I.

"A slight annoyance," he answered, handing me the paper. "Read."

It was confidential order addressed to all the chiefs of detachments
to arrest me, and send me under guard to Khasan before the Commission
of Inquiry, created to give information against Pougatcheff and his
accomplices. The paper fell from my hands.

"Do not be cast down," said Zourine, "but set out at once."

My conscience was easy, but the delay! It would be months, perhaps,
before I could get through the Commission. Zourine bade me an
affectionate adieu. I mounted the telega (Summer carriage), two
hussars withdrawn swords beside, and took the road to Khasan.




XIV. THE SENTENCE.