the Good Shepherd."

I followed his advice, and after having supped, fell asleep on the bare
floor, as fatigued in mind as in body.




IX. THE SEPARATION.


The drum awoke me early the next morning. I went out on the square.
Pougatcheff's troops were there, falling into rank, around the gibbet,
to which still hung the victims of yesterday. The Cossacks were
mounted; the infantry and artillery, with our single gun, were
accoutred ready for the march. The inhabitants were also assembled
there awaiting the usurper. Before the steps of the Commandant's
house a Cossack held by the bridle a magnificent white horse. My
eyes sought the body of our good Basilia. It had been dragged aside
and covered with an old bark mat. At last Pougatcheff came out on
the steps, and saluted the crowd. All heads were bared. One of the
chiefs handed him a bag of copper coin, which he threw by the handful
among the people. Perceiving me in the crowd, he signed to me to
approach.

"Listen," said he, "go at once to Orenbourg, and say from me, to the
Governor and all the Generals, that I shall be there in a week.
Counsel them to receive me with submission and filial love, otherwise
they shall not escape the direst torture. A pleasant journey to you."
The principal followers of Pougatcheff surrounded him, Alexis amongst