Serve under me, and I will make you a field-marshal, a prince. What
say you?"

"No," said I. "I am a nobleman. I have taken an oath to her majesty,
the Empress; I can not serve with you. If truly you wish me well, send
me to Orenbourg."

Pougatcheff reflected. "If I send you there, you will, at least,
promise not to bear arms against me?"

"How can I promise that? If I am ordered to march against you, I must
go. You are now a chief; you desire your subordinates to obey you.
No, my life is in your hand; if you give me liberty, thanks; if you
put me to death, may God judge you."

My frankness pleased him. "Be it so," said he, slapping me on the
shoulders, "pardon or punish to the end. You can go the four quarters
of the world, and do as you like. Come tomorrow, and bid me good-bye.
Now go to bed--I require rest myself."

I went out into the street. The night was clear and cold; the moon and
stars shone out in all their brightness, lighting up the square and the
gibbet. All was quiet and dark in the rest of the fortress. At the
inn some lights were visible, and belated drinkers broke the stillness
by their shouts. I glanced at Accoulina's house; the doors and windows
were closed, and all seemed perfectly quiet there. I went to my room,
and found Saveliitch deploring my absence. I told him of my freedom.
"Thanks to thee, O God!" said he, making the sign of the cross;
"tomorrow we shall set out at daybreak. I have prepared something for
you; eat and then sleep till morning, tranquil as if in the bosom of