others. The usurper turned to the people, and pointing to Alexis,
said: "Behold your new Commandant; obey him in every thing; he is
responsible for you and for the fortress."

The words made me shudder. What would become of Marie? Pougatcheff
descended the steps and vaulted quickly into his saddle without the
aid of his attendant Cossacks. At that moment Saveliitch came out of
the crowd, approached the usurper, and presented him a sheet of paper.

"What is this?" asked Pougatcheff, with dignity.

"Read, you will deign to see," replied the serf.

Pougatcheff examined the paper. "You write very illegibly; where is
my Secretary?"

A boy in corporal's uniform came running to the brigand. "Read aloud,"
said he. I was curious to know for what purpose the old man had
written to Pougatcheff. The Secretary began to spell out in a loud
voice what follows:

"Two dressing-gowns, one in percale, the other in striped silk,
six roubles."

"What does this mean?" said Pougatcheff, frowning.

"Command him to read on," replied Saveliitch, with perfect calmness.

The Secretary continued: "One uniform in fine green cloth, seven
roubles; one pair of white cloth pantaloons, five roubles; twelve