unreasonable." I hung my head in despair. But I had a plan of my own.




XI. THE REBEL CAMP.


I left the General and hastened to my quarters. Saveliitch received me
with his usual remonstrance: "What pleasure, my lord, is there in
fighting these drunken brigands? If they were Turks or Swedes, all
right; but these sons of dogs--"

I interrupted him: "How much money have I in all?"

"You have plenty," said he with a satisfied air. "I knew how to whisk
it out of sight of the rogues." He drew from his pocket a long knitted
purse full of silver coin.

"Saveliitch, give me half of what you have there, and keep the rest
for yourself. I am off for the fortress of Belogorsk."

"Oh, Peter!" said the old serf, "do you not fear God? The roads are
cut off. Have pity on your parents; wait a little; our troops will
come and disperse the brigands, and then you can go to the four
quarters of the world."

"It is too late to reflect. I must go. Do not grieve, Saveliitch; I
make you a present of that money. Buy what you need. If I do not
return in three days--"