The Daughter of the Commandant

Pugatchef cast at me a quick, keen glance.

"You do not then think that I am the Tzar Peter? Well, so let it be. Is

there no chance of success for the bold? In former times did not

Grischka Otrepieff[59] reign? Think of me as you please, but do not

leave me. What does it matter to you whether it be one or the other? He

who is pope is father. Serve me faithfully, and I will make you a

field-marshal and a prince. What do you say to this?"

"No," I replied, firmly. "I am a gentleman. I have sworn fidelity to Her

Majesty the Tzarina; I cannot serve you. If you really wish me well,

send me back to Orenburg."

Pugatchef reflected.

"But if I send you away," said he, "will you promise me at least not to

bear arms against me?"

"How can you expect me to promise you that?" replied I. "You know

yourself that that does not depend upon me. If I be ordered to march

against you I must submit. You are a chief now--you wish your

subordinates to obey you. How can I refuse to serve if I am wanted? My

head is at your disposal; if you let me go free, I thank you; if you

cause me to die, may God judge you. Howbeit, I have told you the truth."

My outspoken candour pleased Pugatchef.

"E'en so let it be," said he, clapping me on the shoulder; "either

entirely punish or entirely pardon. Go to the four winds and do what

seems good in your eyes, but come to-morrow and bid me good-bye; and now

begone to bed--I am sleepy myself."

I left Pugatchef, and went out into the street. The night was still and

cold, the moon and stars, sparkling with all their brightness, lit up

the square and the gallows. All was quiet and dark in the rest of the

fort. Only in the tavern were lights still to be seen, and from within

arose the shouts of the lingering revellers.

I threw a glance at the pope's house. The doors and the shutters were

closed; all seemed perfectly quiet there. I went home and found

Saveliitch deploring my absence. The news of my regained liberty

overwhelmed him with joy.

"Thanks be to Thee, O Lord!" said he, making the sign of the cross. "We

will leave the fort to-morrow at break of day and we will go in God's

care. I have prepared something for you; eat, my father, and sleep till

morning quietly, as though in the pocket of Christ!"

I took his advice, and, after having supped with a good appetite, I went

to sleep on the bare boards, as weary in mind as in body.