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I did not think it necessary to contradict the Cossack, and I followed hi to fancy in advance atcheff, and its result The readeras I reached the house The gibbet with its victiood Basilia was lying under the steps, near which two Cossacks ht me, entered to announce my arrival; he returned at once, and ledbefore I had taken leave of Marie At a table covered with a cloth, and laden with bottles and glasses, sat Pougatcheff, surrounded by some ten Cossack chiefs in colored caps and shirts, with flushed faces and sparkling eyes, the effect, no doubt, of the wine-cup

I saw neither of our traitors, Alexis or the Corporal, ast them

"Ah! your lordship, it is you?" said their chief, on seeing uests drew closer together I took a place at the end of the table My neighbor, a young Cossack of slender form and handsome face, poured out a bumper of brandy forthe asseatcheff was seated in the place of honor, elbow on table, his heavy, black beard resting upon his ular and handsome, had no ferocious expression He often spoke to a ain Uncle All treated each other as co no very marked deference for their chief They talked of the assault that ; of the revolt, its success, and of their next operations Each one boasted of his prowess, gave his opinions, and freely contradicted Pougatcheff In this strange council of war, they resolved to , a bold move, but justified by previous successes The departure was fixed for the next day Each one drank another buatcheff I wished to follow theand said: "Wait, I want to speak to you"

Pougatcheff looked athis left eye with thepeal of laughter, so hearty, that I, just fro why

"Well, htened, when my boys put the rope around your neck? The skyas a sheep-skin And if not for your servant, you would have been swinging up there fronized the old owl Would you have thought that the reat Czar hirave and uilty," continued he, "but I have pardoned you, for having done ed to hide from my eneained my empire Do you promise to serve me with zeal?"