You may believe me when I say the
father and I were already prepared to die the death of martyrs.
father and I were already prepared to die the death of martyrs.
Pushkin - Daughter of the Commandant
Amongst them, dressed
in a red caftan, sword in hand, might be seen a man mounted on a white
horse, a conspicuous figure. This was Pugatchef himself.
He stopped, and they closed round him, and soon afterwards, probably by
his orders, four men came out of the crowd, and approached our ramparts
at full gallop. We recognized in them some of our traitors. One of them
waved a sheet of paper above his head; another bore on the point of his
pike the head of Joulai, which he cast to us over the palisade. The head
of the poor Kalmuck rolled to the feet of the Commandant.
The traitors shouted to us--
"Don't fire. Come out to receive the Tzar; the Tzar is here. "
"Children, fire! " cried the Commandant for all answer.
The soldiers fired a volley. The Cossack who had the letter quivered and
fell from his horse; the others fled at full speed. I glanced at Marya
Ivanofna. Spellbound with horror at the sight of Joulai's head, stunned
by the noise of the volley, she seemed unconscious. The Commandant
called the corporal, and bid him go and take the paper from the fallen
Cossack. The corporal went out into the open, and came back leading by
its bridle the dead man's horse. He gave the letter to the Commandant.
Ivan Kouzmitch read it in a low voice, and tore it into bits. We now saw
that the rebels were making ready to attack. Soon the bullets whistled
about our ears, and some arrows came quivering around us in the earth
and in the posts of the palisade.
"Vassilissa Igorofna," said the Commandant, "this is not a place for
women. Take away Masha; you see very well that the girl is more dead
than alive. "
Vassilissa Igorofna, whom the sound of the bullets had somewhat subdued,
glanced towards the steppe, where a great stir was visible in the crowd,
and said to her husband--
"Ivan Kouzmitch, life and death are in God's hands; bless Masha. Masha,
go to your father. "
Pale and trembling, Marya approached Ivan Kouzmitch and dropped on her
knees, bending before him with reverence.
The old Commandant made the sign of the cross three times over her, then
raised her up, kissed her, and said to her, in a voice husky with
emotion--
"Well, Masha, may you be happy. Pray to God, and He will not forsake
you. If an honest man come forward, may God grant you both love and
wisdom. Live together as we have lived, my wife and I. And now farewell,
Masha. Vassilissa Igorofna, take her away quickly. "
Marya threw herself upon his neck and began sobbing.
"Kiss me, too," said the Commandant's wife, weeping. "Good-bye, my Ivan
Kouzmitch. Forgive me if I have ever vexed you. "
"Good-bye, good-bye, little mother," said the Commandant, embracing his
old companion. "There, now, enough; go away home, and if you have time
put Masha on a '_sarafan_. '"[53]
The Commandant's wife went away with her daughter. I followed Marya with
my eyes; she turned round and made me a last sign.
Ivan Kouzmitch came back to us, and turned his whole attention to the
enemy. The rebels gathered round their leader, and all at once
dismounted hastily.
"Be ready," the Commandant said to us, "the assault is about to begin. "
At the same moment resounded wild war cries. The rebels were racing down
on the fort. Our cannon was loaded with grape. The Commandant allowed
them to approach within a very short distance, and again applied a
match to the touch-hole. The grape struck in the midst of the crowd, and
dispersed it in every direction. The leader alone remained to the fore,
brandishing his sword; he appeared to be exhorting them hotly. The yells
which had ceased for a moment were redoubled anew.
"Now, children," cried the Commandant, "open the door, beat the drum,
and forward! Follow me for a sally! "
The Commandant, Iwan Ignatiitch, and I found ourselves in a moment
beyond the parapet. But the garrison, afraid, had not stirred.
"What are you doing, my children? " shouted Ivan Kouzmitch. "If we must
die, let us die; it is our duty. "
At this moment the rebels fell upon us and forced the entrance of the
citadel. The drum ceased, the garrison threw down its arms. I had been
thrown down, but I got up and passed helter-skelter with the crowd into
the fort. I saw the Commandant wounded in the head, and hard pressed by
a little band of robbers clamouring for the keys. I was running to help
him, when several strong Cossacks seized me, and bound me with their
"_kuchaks_,"[54] shouting--
"Wait a bit, you will see what will become of you traitors to the Tzar! "
We were dragged along the streets. The inhabitants came out of their
houses, offering bread and salt. The bells were rung. All at once shouts
announced that the Tzar was in the square waiting to receive the oaths
of the prisoners. All the crowd diverged in that direction, and our
keepers dragged us thither.
Pugatchef was seated in an armchair on the threshold of the Commandant's
house. He wore an elegant Cossack caftan, embroidered down the seams. A
high cap of marten sable, ornamented with gold tassels, came closely
down over his flashing eyes. His face did not seem unknown to me. The
Cossack chiefs surrounded him. Father Garasim, pale and trembling, was
standing, cross in hand, at the foot of the steps, and seemed to be
silently praying for the victims brought before him. In the square a
gallows was being hastily erected. When we came near, some Bashkirs
drove back the crowd, and we were presented to Pugatchef.
The bells ceased clanging, and the deepest silence reigned again.
"Where is the Commandant? " asked the usurper. Our "_ouriadnik_" came
forward and pointed out Ivan Kouzmitch. Pugatchef looked fiercely upon
the old man and said to him, "How was it you dared to oppose me, your
rightful Emperor? "
The Commandant, enfeebled by his wound, collected his remaining
strength, and replied, in a resolute tone--
"You are not my Emperor; you are a usurper and a robber! "
Pugatchef frowned and waved his white handkerchief. Several Cossacks
immediately seized the old Commandant and dragged him away to the
gallows. Astride on the crossbeam, sat the disfigured Bashkir who had
been cross-examined on the preceding evening; he held a rope in his
hand, and I saw the next moment poor Ivan Kouzmitch swinging in the air.
Then Iwan Ignatiitch was brought before Pugatchef.
"Swear fidelity," Pugatchef said to him, "to the Emperor, Petr'
Fedorovitch! "[55]
"You are not our Emperor! " replied the lieutenant, repeating his
Commandant's words; "you are a robber, my uncle, and a usurper. "
Pugatchef again gave the handkerchief signal, and good Iwan Ignatiitch
swung beside his old chief. It was my turn. Boldly I looked on Pugatchef
and made ready to echo the answer of my outspoken comrades.
Then, to my inexpressible surprise, I saw among the rebels Chvabrine,
who had found time to cut his hair short and to put on a Cossack caftan.
He approached Pugatchef, and whispered a few words in his ear.
"Hang him! " said Pugatchef, without deigning to throw me a look. The
rope was passed about my neck. I began saying a prayer in a low voice,
offering up to God a sincere repentance for all my sins, imploring Him
to save all those who were dear to my heart. I was already at the foot
of the gallows.
"Fear nothing! Fear nothing! " the assassins said to me, perhaps to give
me courage, when all at once a shout was heard--
"Stop, accursed ones! "
The executioners stayed their hand. I looked up. Saveliitch lay
prostrate at the feet of Pugatchef.
"Oh! my own father! " my poor follower was saying. "What need have you of
the death of this noble child? Let him go free, and you will get a good
ransom; but for an example and to frighten the rest, let them hang me,
an old man! "
Pugatchef gave a signal; I was immediately unbound.
"Our father shows you mercy," they said to me. At this moment I cannot
say that I was much overjoyed at my deliverance, but I cannot say either
that I regretted it, for my feelings were too upset. I was again brought
before the usurper and forced to kneel at his feet. Pugatchef held out
to me his muscular hand. "Kiss his hand! kiss his hand! " was shouted
around me. But rather would I have preferred the most cruel torture to
such an abasement.
"My father, Petr' Andrejitch," whispered Saveliitch to me, and nudged me
with his elbow, "don't be obstinate. What does it matter? Spit and kiss
the hand of the rob--, kiss his hand! "
I did not stir. Pugatchef withdrew his hand and said, smiling--
"Apparently his lordship is quite idiotic with joy; raise him. "
I was helped up and left free. The infamous drama drew to a close.
The villagers began to swear fidelity. One after another they came near,
kissed the cross, and saluted the usurper. Then it came to the turn of
the soldiers of the garrison. The tailor of the company, armed with his
big blunt scissors, cut off their queues. They shook their heads and
touched their lips to Pugatchef's hand; the latter told them they were
pardoned and enrolled amongst his troops.
All this lasted about three hours. At last Pugatchef rose from his
armchair and went down the steps, followed by his chiefs. There was
brought for him a white horse, richly caparisoned. Two Cossacks held his
arms and helped him into the saddle.
He announced to Father Garasim that he would dine at his house. At this
moment arose a woman's heartrending shrieks. Some robbers were dragging
to the steps Vassilissa Igorofna, with dishevelled hair and
half-dressed. One of them had already appropriated her cloak; the others
were carrying off the mattresses, boxes, linen, tea sets, and all manner
of things.
"Oh, my fathers! " cried the poor old woman. "Let me alone, I pray you;
my fathers, my fathers, bring me to Ivan Kouzmitch. " All of a sudden
she perceived the gallows and recognized her husband. "Villains! " she
exclaimed, beside herself; "what have you done? Oh, my light, my Ivan
Kouzmitch! Bold soldier heart, neither Prussian bayonets nor Turkish
bullets ever harmed you; and you have died before a vile runaway felon. "
"Silence the old witch," said Pugatchef.
A young Cossack struck her with his sword on the head, and she fell dead
at the foot of the steps. Pugatchef went away, all the people crowding
in his train.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE UNEXPECTED VISIT.
The square remained empty. I stood in the same place, unable to collect
my thoughts, disturbed by so many terrible events.
My uncertainty about Marya Ivanofna's fate tormented me more than I can
say. Where was she? What had become of her? Had she had time to hide
herself? Was her place of refuge safe and sure? Full of these oppressive
thoughts, I went to the Commandant's house. All was empty. The chairs,
the tables, the presses were burned, and the crockery in bits; the
place was in dreadful disorder. I quickly ran up the little stair which
led to Marya's room, where I was about to enter for the first time in my
life.
Her bed was topsy-turvy, the press open and ransacked. A lamp still
burned before the "_kivott_"[56] equally empty; but a small
looking-glass hanging between the door and window had not been taken
away. What had become of the inmate of this simple maiden's cell? A
terrible apprehension crossed my mind. I thought of Marya in the hands
of the robbers. My heart failed me; I burst into tears and murmured the
name of my loved one. At this moment I heard a slight noise, and
Polashka, very pale, came out from behind the press.
"Oh, Petr' Andrejitch," said she, wringing her hands; "what a day, what
horrors! "
"Marya Ivanofna," cried I, impatiently, "where is Marya Ivanofna? "
"The young lady is alive," replied Polashka; "she is hidden at Akoulina
Pamphilovna's. "
"In the pope's house! " I exclaimed, affrighted. "Good God! Pugatchef is
there! "
I rushed out of the room, in two jumps I was in the street and running
wildly towards the pope's house. From within there resounded songs,
shouts, and bursts of laughter; Pugatchef was at the table with his
companions. Polashka had followed me; I sent her secretly to call aside
Akoulina Pamphilovna. The next minute the pope's wife came out into the
ante-room, an empty bottle in her hand.
"In heaven's name where is Marya Ivanofna? " I asked, with indescribable
agitation.
"She is in bed, the little dove," replied the pope's wife, "in my bed,
behind the partition. Ah! Petr' Andrejitch, a misfortune very nearly
happened. But, thank God, all has passed happily over. The villain had
scarcely sat down to table before the poor darling began to moan. I
nearly died of fright. He heard her. "
"'Who is that moaning, old woman? ' said he.
"I saluted the robber down to the ground.
"'My niece, Tzar; she has been ill and in bed for more than a week. '
"'And your niece, is she young? '
"'She is young, Tzar. '
"'Let us see, old woman; show me your niece. '
"I felt my heart fail me; but what could I do?
"'Very well, Tzar; but the girl is not strong enough to rise and come
before your grace. '
"'That's nothing, old woman; I'll go myself and see her. '
"And, would you believe it, the rascal actually went behind the
partition. He drew aside the curtain, looked at her with his hawk's
eyes, and nothing more; God helped us.
You may believe me when I say the
father and I were already prepared to die the death of martyrs. Luckily
the little dove did not recognize him. O, Lord God! what have we lived
to see! Poor Ivan Kouzmitch! who would have thought it! And Vassilissa
Igorofna and Iwan Ignatiitch! Why him too? And you, how came it that you
were spared? And what do you think of Chvabrine, of Alexy Ivanytch? He
has cut his hair short, and he is there having a spree with them. He is
a sly fox, you'll agree. And when I spoke of my sick niece, would you
believe it, he looked at me as if he would like to run me through with
his knife. Still, he did not betray us, and I'm thankful to him for
that! "
At this moment up rose the vinous shouts of the guests and the voice of
Father Garasim. The guests wanted more wine, and the pope was calling
his wife.
"Go home, Petr' Andrejitch," she said to me, in great agitation, "I have
something else to do than chatter to you. Some ill will befall you if
you come across any of them now. Good-bye, Petr' Andrejitch. What must
be, must be; and it may be God will not forsake us. "
The pope's wife went in; a little relieved, I returned to my quarters.
Crossing the square I saw several Bashkirs crowding round the gallows in
order to tear off the high boots of the hanged men. With difficulty I
forbore showing my anger, which I knew would be wholly useless.
The robbers pervaded the fort, and were plundering the officers'
quarters, and the shouts of the rebels making merry were heard
everywhere. I went home. Saveliitch met me on the threshold.
"Thank heaven! " cried he, upon seeing me, "I thought the villains had
again laid hold on you. Oh! my father, Petr' Andrejitch, would you
believe it, the robbers have taken everything from us: clothes, linen,
crockery and goods; they have left nothing. But what does it matter?
Thank God that they have at least left you your life! But oh! my master,
did you recognize their '_ataman_? '"[57]
"No, I did not recognize him. Who is he? "
"What, my little father, you have already forgotten the drunkard who
did you out of your '_touloup_' the day of the snowstorm, a hareskin
'_touloup_,' brand new. And he, the rascal, who split all the seams
putting it on. "
I was dumbfounded. The likeness of Pugatchef to my guide was indeed
striking. I ended by feeling certain that he and Pugatchef were one and
the same man, and I then understood why he had shown me mercy. I was
filled with astonishment at the extraordinary connection of events. A
boy's "_touloup_," given to a vagabond, saved my neck from the hangman,
and a drunken frequenter of pothouses besieged forts and shook the
Empire.
"Will you not eat something? " asked Saveliitch, faithful to his old
habits. "There is nothing in the house, it is true; but I shall look
about everywhere, and I will get something ready for you. "
Left alone, I began to reflect. What could I do? To stay in the fort,
which was now in the hands of the robber, or to join his band were
courses alike unworthy of an officer. Duty prompted me to go where I
could still be useful to my country in the critical circumstances in
which it was now situated.
But my love urged me no less strongly to stay by Marya Ivanofna, to be
her protector and her champion. Although I foresaw a new and inevitable
change in the state of things, yet I could not help trembling as I
thought of the dangers of her situation.
My reflections were broken by the arrival of a Cossack, who came running
to tell me that the great Tzar summoned me to his presence.
"Where is he? " I asked, hastening to obey.
"In the Commandant's house," replied the Cossack. "After dinner our
father went to the bath; now he is resting. Ah, sir! you can see he is a
person of importance--he deigned at dinner to eat two roast
sucking-pigs; and then he went into the upper part of the vapour-bath,
where it was so hot that Tarass Kurotchkin himself could not stand it;
he passed the broom to Bikbaieff, and only recovered by dint of cold
water. You must agree; his manners are very majestic, and in the bath,
they say, he showed his marks of Tzar--on one of his breasts a
double-headed eagle as large as a petak,[58] and on the other his own
face. "
I did not think it worth while to contradict the Cossack, and I followed
him into the Commandant's house, trying to imagine beforehand my
interview with Pugatchef, and to guess how it would end.
The reader will easily believe me when I say that I did not feel wholly
reassured.
It was getting dark when I reached the house of the Commandant.
The gallows, with its victims, stood out black and terrible; the body of
the Commandant's poor wife still lay beneath the porch, close by two
Cossacks, who were on guard.
He who had brought me went in to announce my arrival. He came back
almost directly, and ushered me into the room where, the previous
evening, I had bidden good-bye to Marya Ivanofna.
I saw a strange scene before me. At a table covered with a cloth and
laden with bottles and glasses was seated Pugatchef, surrounded by ten
Cossack chiefs, in high caps and coloured shirts, heated by wine, with
flushed faces and sparkling eyes. I did not see among them the new
confederates lately sworn in, the traitor Chvabrine and the
"_ouriadnik_. "
"Ah, ah! so it is you, your lordship," said Pugatchef, upon seeing me.
"You are welcome. All honour to you, and a place at our feast. "
The guests made room. I sat down in silence at the end of the table.
My neighbour, a tall and slender young Cossack, with a handsome face,
poured me out a bumper of brandy, which I did not touch. I was busy
noting the company.
Pugatchef was seated in the place of honour, his elbows on the table,
and resting his black beard on his broad fist. His features, regular and
agreeable, wore no fierce expression. He often addressed a man of about
fifty years old, calling him sometimes Count, sometimes Timofeitsh,
sometimes Uncle.
Each man considered himself as good as his fellow, and none showed any
particular deference to their chief. They were talking of the morning's
assault, of the success of the revolt, and of their forthcoming
operations.
Each man bragged of his prowess, proclaimed his opinions, and freely
contradicted Pugatchef. And it was decided to march upon Orenburg, a
bold move, which was nearly crowned with success. The departure was
fixed for the day following.
The guests drank yet another bumper, rose from table, and took leave of
Pugatchef. I wished to follow them, but Pugatchef said--
"Stay there, I wish to speak to you! "
We remained alone together, and for a few moments neither spoke.
Pugatchef looked sharply at me, winking from time to time his left eye
with an indefinable expression of slyness and mockery. At last he gave
way to a long burst of laughter, and that with such unfeigned gaiety
that I myself, regarding him, began to laugh without knowing why.
"Well, your lordship," said he, "confess you were afraid when my fellows
cast the rope about your neck. I warrant the sky seemed to you the size
of a sheepskin. And you would certainly have swung beneath the
cross-beam but for your old servant. I knew the old owl again directly.
Well, would you ever have thought, sir, that the man who guided you to a
lodging in the steppe was the great Tzar himself? " As he said these
words he assumed a grave and mysterious air. "You are very guilty as
regards me," resumed he, "but I have pardoned you on account of your
courage, and because you did me a good turn when I was obliged to hide
from my enemies. But you shall see better things; I will load you with
other favours when I shall have recovered my empire. Will you promise to
serve me zealously? "
The robber's question and his impudence appeared to be so absurd that I
could not restrain a smile.
"Why do you laugh? " he asked, frowning. "Do you not believe me to be the
great Tzar? Answer me frankly. "
I did not know what to do. I could not recognize a vagabond as Emperor;
such conduct was to me unpardonably base. To call him an impostor to his
face was to devote myself to death; and the sacrifice for which I was
prepared on the gallows, before all the world, and in the first heat of
my indignation, appeared to me a useless piece of bravado. I knew not
what to say.
Pugatchef awaited my reply in fierce silence. At last (and I yet recall
that moment with satisfaction) the feeling of duty triumphed in me over
human weakness, and I made reply to Pugatchef--
"Just listen, and I will tell you the whole truth. You shall be judge.
Can I recognize in you a Tzar? You are a clever man; you would see
directly that I was lying. "
"Who, then, am I, according to you? "
"God alone knows; but whoever you be, you are playing a dangerous game. "
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.
CHAPTER IX.
THE PARTING.
The drum awoke me very early, and I went to the Square. There the troops
of Pugatchef were beginning to gather round the gallows where the
victims of the preceding evening still hung. The Cossacks were on
horseback, the foot-soldiers with their arms shouldered, their colours
flying in the air.
Several cannons, among which I recognized ours, were placed on field-gun
carriages. All the inhabitants had assembled in the same place, awaiting
the usurper. Before the door of the Commandant's house a Cossack held by
the bridle a magnificent white horse of Kirghiz breed. I sought with my
eyes the body of the Commandant's wife; it had been pushed aside and
covered over with an old bark mat.
At last Pugatchef came out of the house. All the crowd uncovered.
Pugatchef stopped on the doorstep and said good-morning to everybody.
One of the chiefs handed him a bag filled with small pieces of copper,
which he began to throw broadcast among the people, who rushed to pick
them up, fighting for them with blows.
The principal confederates of Pugatchef surrounded him. Among them was
Chvabrine. Our eyes met; he could read contempt in mine, and he looked
away with an expression of deep hatred and pretended mockery. Seeing me
in the crowd Pugatchef beckoned to me and called me up to him.
"Listen," said he, "start this very minute for Orenburg. You will tell
the governor and all the generals from me that they may expect me in a
week. Advise them to receive me with submission and filial love; if not,
they will not escape a terrible punishment. A good journey, to your
lordship. "
Then turning to the people, he pointed out Chvabrine.
"There, children," said he, "is your new Commandant; obey him in all
things; he answers to me for you and the fort. "
I heard these words with affright. Chvabrine become master of the place!
Marya remained in his power! Good God! what would become of her?
Pugatchef came down the steps, his horse was brought round, he sprang
quickly into the saddle, without waiting for the help of the Cossacks
prepared to aid him.
At this moment I saw my Saveliitch come out of the crowd, approach
Pugatchef, and present him with a sheet of paper. I could not think what
it all meant.
"What is it? " asked Pugatchef, with dignity.
"Deign to read it, and you will see," replied Saveliitch.
Pugatchef took the paper and looked at it a long time with an air of
importance. At last he said--
"You write very illegibly; our lucid[60] eyes cannot make out anything.
Where is our Chief Secretary? "
A youth in a corporal's uniform ran up to Pugatchef.
"Read it aloud," the usurper said to him, handing him the paper.
I was extremely curious to know on what account my retainer had thought
of writing to Pugatchef. The Chief Secretary began in a loud voice,
spelling out what follows--
"Two dressing gowns, one cotton, the other striped silk, six roubles. "
"What does that mean? " interrupted Pugatchef, frowning.
"Tell him to read further," rejoined Saveliitch, quite unmoved.
The Chief Secretary continued to read--
"One uniform of fine green cloth, seven roubles; one pair trousers,
white cloth, five roubles; twelve shirts of Holland shirting, with
cuffs, ten roubles; one box with tea service, two-and-a-half roubles. "
"What is all this nonsense?
in a red caftan, sword in hand, might be seen a man mounted on a white
horse, a conspicuous figure. This was Pugatchef himself.
He stopped, and they closed round him, and soon afterwards, probably by
his orders, four men came out of the crowd, and approached our ramparts
at full gallop. We recognized in them some of our traitors. One of them
waved a sheet of paper above his head; another bore on the point of his
pike the head of Joulai, which he cast to us over the palisade. The head
of the poor Kalmuck rolled to the feet of the Commandant.
The traitors shouted to us--
"Don't fire. Come out to receive the Tzar; the Tzar is here. "
"Children, fire! " cried the Commandant for all answer.
The soldiers fired a volley. The Cossack who had the letter quivered and
fell from his horse; the others fled at full speed. I glanced at Marya
Ivanofna. Spellbound with horror at the sight of Joulai's head, stunned
by the noise of the volley, she seemed unconscious. The Commandant
called the corporal, and bid him go and take the paper from the fallen
Cossack. The corporal went out into the open, and came back leading by
its bridle the dead man's horse. He gave the letter to the Commandant.
Ivan Kouzmitch read it in a low voice, and tore it into bits. We now saw
that the rebels were making ready to attack. Soon the bullets whistled
about our ears, and some arrows came quivering around us in the earth
and in the posts of the palisade.
"Vassilissa Igorofna," said the Commandant, "this is not a place for
women. Take away Masha; you see very well that the girl is more dead
than alive. "
Vassilissa Igorofna, whom the sound of the bullets had somewhat subdued,
glanced towards the steppe, where a great stir was visible in the crowd,
and said to her husband--
"Ivan Kouzmitch, life and death are in God's hands; bless Masha. Masha,
go to your father. "
Pale and trembling, Marya approached Ivan Kouzmitch and dropped on her
knees, bending before him with reverence.
The old Commandant made the sign of the cross three times over her, then
raised her up, kissed her, and said to her, in a voice husky with
emotion--
"Well, Masha, may you be happy. Pray to God, and He will not forsake
you. If an honest man come forward, may God grant you both love and
wisdom. Live together as we have lived, my wife and I. And now farewell,
Masha. Vassilissa Igorofna, take her away quickly. "
Marya threw herself upon his neck and began sobbing.
"Kiss me, too," said the Commandant's wife, weeping. "Good-bye, my Ivan
Kouzmitch. Forgive me if I have ever vexed you. "
"Good-bye, good-bye, little mother," said the Commandant, embracing his
old companion. "There, now, enough; go away home, and if you have time
put Masha on a '_sarafan_. '"[53]
The Commandant's wife went away with her daughter. I followed Marya with
my eyes; she turned round and made me a last sign.
Ivan Kouzmitch came back to us, and turned his whole attention to the
enemy. The rebels gathered round their leader, and all at once
dismounted hastily.
"Be ready," the Commandant said to us, "the assault is about to begin. "
At the same moment resounded wild war cries. The rebels were racing down
on the fort. Our cannon was loaded with grape. The Commandant allowed
them to approach within a very short distance, and again applied a
match to the touch-hole. The grape struck in the midst of the crowd, and
dispersed it in every direction. The leader alone remained to the fore,
brandishing his sword; he appeared to be exhorting them hotly. The yells
which had ceased for a moment were redoubled anew.
"Now, children," cried the Commandant, "open the door, beat the drum,
and forward! Follow me for a sally! "
The Commandant, Iwan Ignatiitch, and I found ourselves in a moment
beyond the parapet. But the garrison, afraid, had not stirred.
"What are you doing, my children? " shouted Ivan Kouzmitch. "If we must
die, let us die; it is our duty. "
At this moment the rebels fell upon us and forced the entrance of the
citadel. The drum ceased, the garrison threw down its arms. I had been
thrown down, but I got up and passed helter-skelter with the crowd into
the fort. I saw the Commandant wounded in the head, and hard pressed by
a little band of robbers clamouring for the keys. I was running to help
him, when several strong Cossacks seized me, and bound me with their
"_kuchaks_,"[54] shouting--
"Wait a bit, you will see what will become of you traitors to the Tzar! "
We were dragged along the streets. The inhabitants came out of their
houses, offering bread and salt. The bells were rung. All at once shouts
announced that the Tzar was in the square waiting to receive the oaths
of the prisoners. All the crowd diverged in that direction, and our
keepers dragged us thither.
Pugatchef was seated in an armchair on the threshold of the Commandant's
house. He wore an elegant Cossack caftan, embroidered down the seams. A
high cap of marten sable, ornamented with gold tassels, came closely
down over his flashing eyes. His face did not seem unknown to me. The
Cossack chiefs surrounded him. Father Garasim, pale and trembling, was
standing, cross in hand, at the foot of the steps, and seemed to be
silently praying for the victims brought before him. In the square a
gallows was being hastily erected. When we came near, some Bashkirs
drove back the crowd, and we were presented to Pugatchef.
The bells ceased clanging, and the deepest silence reigned again.
"Where is the Commandant? " asked the usurper. Our "_ouriadnik_" came
forward and pointed out Ivan Kouzmitch. Pugatchef looked fiercely upon
the old man and said to him, "How was it you dared to oppose me, your
rightful Emperor? "
The Commandant, enfeebled by his wound, collected his remaining
strength, and replied, in a resolute tone--
"You are not my Emperor; you are a usurper and a robber! "
Pugatchef frowned and waved his white handkerchief. Several Cossacks
immediately seized the old Commandant and dragged him away to the
gallows. Astride on the crossbeam, sat the disfigured Bashkir who had
been cross-examined on the preceding evening; he held a rope in his
hand, and I saw the next moment poor Ivan Kouzmitch swinging in the air.
Then Iwan Ignatiitch was brought before Pugatchef.
"Swear fidelity," Pugatchef said to him, "to the Emperor, Petr'
Fedorovitch! "[55]
"You are not our Emperor! " replied the lieutenant, repeating his
Commandant's words; "you are a robber, my uncle, and a usurper. "
Pugatchef again gave the handkerchief signal, and good Iwan Ignatiitch
swung beside his old chief. It was my turn. Boldly I looked on Pugatchef
and made ready to echo the answer of my outspoken comrades.
Then, to my inexpressible surprise, I saw among the rebels Chvabrine,
who had found time to cut his hair short and to put on a Cossack caftan.
He approached Pugatchef, and whispered a few words in his ear.
"Hang him! " said Pugatchef, without deigning to throw me a look. The
rope was passed about my neck. I began saying a prayer in a low voice,
offering up to God a sincere repentance for all my sins, imploring Him
to save all those who were dear to my heart. I was already at the foot
of the gallows.
"Fear nothing! Fear nothing! " the assassins said to me, perhaps to give
me courage, when all at once a shout was heard--
"Stop, accursed ones! "
The executioners stayed their hand. I looked up. Saveliitch lay
prostrate at the feet of Pugatchef.
"Oh! my own father! " my poor follower was saying. "What need have you of
the death of this noble child? Let him go free, and you will get a good
ransom; but for an example and to frighten the rest, let them hang me,
an old man! "
Pugatchef gave a signal; I was immediately unbound.
"Our father shows you mercy," they said to me. At this moment I cannot
say that I was much overjoyed at my deliverance, but I cannot say either
that I regretted it, for my feelings were too upset. I was again brought
before the usurper and forced to kneel at his feet. Pugatchef held out
to me his muscular hand. "Kiss his hand! kiss his hand! " was shouted
around me. But rather would I have preferred the most cruel torture to
such an abasement.
"My father, Petr' Andrejitch," whispered Saveliitch to me, and nudged me
with his elbow, "don't be obstinate. What does it matter? Spit and kiss
the hand of the rob--, kiss his hand! "
I did not stir. Pugatchef withdrew his hand and said, smiling--
"Apparently his lordship is quite idiotic with joy; raise him. "
I was helped up and left free. The infamous drama drew to a close.
The villagers began to swear fidelity. One after another they came near,
kissed the cross, and saluted the usurper. Then it came to the turn of
the soldiers of the garrison. The tailor of the company, armed with his
big blunt scissors, cut off their queues. They shook their heads and
touched their lips to Pugatchef's hand; the latter told them they were
pardoned and enrolled amongst his troops.
All this lasted about three hours. At last Pugatchef rose from his
armchair and went down the steps, followed by his chiefs. There was
brought for him a white horse, richly caparisoned. Two Cossacks held his
arms and helped him into the saddle.
He announced to Father Garasim that he would dine at his house. At this
moment arose a woman's heartrending shrieks. Some robbers were dragging
to the steps Vassilissa Igorofna, with dishevelled hair and
half-dressed. One of them had already appropriated her cloak; the others
were carrying off the mattresses, boxes, linen, tea sets, and all manner
of things.
"Oh, my fathers! " cried the poor old woman. "Let me alone, I pray you;
my fathers, my fathers, bring me to Ivan Kouzmitch. " All of a sudden
she perceived the gallows and recognized her husband. "Villains! " she
exclaimed, beside herself; "what have you done? Oh, my light, my Ivan
Kouzmitch! Bold soldier heart, neither Prussian bayonets nor Turkish
bullets ever harmed you; and you have died before a vile runaway felon. "
"Silence the old witch," said Pugatchef.
A young Cossack struck her with his sword on the head, and she fell dead
at the foot of the steps. Pugatchef went away, all the people crowding
in his train.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE UNEXPECTED VISIT.
The square remained empty. I stood in the same place, unable to collect
my thoughts, disturbed by so many terrible events.
My uncertainty about Marya Ivanofna's fate tormented me more than I can
say. Where was she? What had become of her? Had she had time to hide
herself? Was her place of refuge safe and sure? Full of these oppressive
thoughts, I went to the Commandant's house. All was empty. The chairs,
the tables, the presses were burned, and the crockery in bits; the
place was in dreadful disorder. I quickly ran up the little stair which
led to Marya's room, where I was about to enter for the first time in my
life.
Her bed was topsy-turvy, the press open and ransacked. A lamp still
burned before the "_kivott_"[56] equally empty; but a small
looking-glass hanging between the door and window had not been taken
away. What had become of the inmate of this simple maiden's cell? A
terrible apprehension crossed my mind. I thought of Marya in the hands
of the robbers. My heart failed me; I burst into tears and murmured the
name of my loved one. At this moment I heard a slight noise, and
Polashka, very pale, came out from behind the press.
"Oh, Petr' Andrejitch," said she, wringing her hands; "what a day, what
horrors! "
"Marya Ivanofna," cried I, impatiently, "where is Marya Ivanofna? "
"The young lady is alive," replied Polashka; "she is hidden at Akoulina
Pamphilovna's. "
"In the pope's house! " I exclaimed, affrighted. "Good God! Pugatchef is
there! "
I rushed out of the room, in two jumps I was in the street and running
wildly towards the pope's house. From within there resounded songs,
shouts, and bursts of laughter; Pugatchef was at the table with his
companions. Polashka had followed me; I sent her secretly to call aside
Akoulina Pamphilovna. The next minute the pope's wife came out into the
ante-room, an empty bottle in her hand.
"In heaven's name where is Marya Ivanofna? " I asked, with indescribable
agitation.
"She is in bed, the little dove," replied the pope's wife, "in my bed,
behind the partition. Ah! Petr' Andrejitch, a misfortune very nearly
happened. But, thank God, all has passed happily over. The villain had
scarcely sat down to table before the poor darling began to moan. I
nearly died of fright. He heard her. "
"'Who is that moaning, old woman? ' said he.
"I saluted the robber down to the ground.
"'My niece, Tzar; she has been ill and in bed for more than a week. '
"'And your niece, is she young? '
"'She is young, Tzar. '
"'Let us see, old woman; show me your niece. '
"I felt my heart fail me; but what could I do?
"'Very well, Tzar; but the girl is not strong enough to rise and come
before your grace. '
"'That's nothing, old woman; I'll go myself and see her. '
"And, would you believe it, the rascal actually went behind the
partition. He drew aside the curtain, looked at her with his hawk's
eyes, and nothing more; God helped us.
You may believe me when I say the
father and I were already prepared to die the death of martyrs. Luckily
the little dove did not recognize him. O, Lord God! what have we lived
to see! Poor Ivan Kouzmitch! who would have thought it! And Vassilissa
Igorofna and Iwan Ignatiitch! Why him too? And you, how came it that you
were spared? And what do you think of Chvabrine, of Alexy Ivanytch? He
has cut his hair short, and he is there having a spree with them. He is
a sly fox, you'll agree. And when I spoke of my sick niece, would you
believe it, he looked at me as if he would like to run me through with
his knife. Still, he did not betray us, and I'm thankful to him for
that! "
At this moment up rose the vinous shouts of the guests and the voice of
Father Garasim. The guests wanted more wine, and the pope was calling
his wife.
"Go home, Petr' Andrejitch," she said to me, in great agitation, "I have
something else to do than chatter to you. Some ill will befall you if
you come across any of them now. Good-bye, Petr' Andrejitch. What must
be, must be; and it may be God will not forsake us. "
The pope's wife went in; a little relieved, I returned to my quarters.
Crossing the square I saw several Bashkirs crowding round the gallows in
order to tear off the high boots of the hanged men. With difficulty I
forbore showing my anger, which I knew would be wholly useless.
The robbers pervaded the fort, and were plundering the officers'
quarters, and the shouts of the rebels making merry were heard
everywhere. I went home. Saveliitch met me on the threshold.
"Thank heaven! " cried he, upon seeing me, "I thought the villains had
again laid hold on you. Oh! my father, Petr' Andrejitch, would you
believe it, the robbers have taken everything from us: clothes, linen,
crockery and goods; they have left nothing. But what does it matter?
Thank God that they have at least left you your life! But oh! my master,
did you recognize their '_ataman_? '"[57]
"No, I did not recognize him. Who is he? "
"What, my little father, you have already forgotten the drunkard who
did you out of your '_touloup_' the day of the snowstorm, a hareskin
'_touloup_,' brand new. And he, the rascal, who split all the seams
putting it on. "
I was dumbfounded. The likeness of Pugatchef to my guide was indeed
striking. I ended by feeling certain that he and Pugatchef were one and
the same man, and I then understood why he had shown me mercy. I was
filled with astonishment at the extraordinary connection of events. A
boy's "_touloup_," given to a vagabond, saved my neck from the hangman,
and a drunken frequenter of pothouses besieged forts and shook the
Empire.
"Will you not eat something? " asked Saveliitch, faithful to his old
habits. "There is nothing in the house, it is true; but I shall look
about everywhere, and I will get something ready for you. "
Left alone, I began to reflect. What could I do? To stay in the fort,
which was now in the hands of the robber, or to join his band were
courses alike unworthy of an officer. Duty prompted me to go where I
could still be useful to my country in the critical circumstances in
which it was now situated.
But my love urged me no less strongly to stay by Marya Ivanofna, to be
her protector and her champion. Although I foresaw a new and inevitable
change in the state of things, yet I could not help trembling as I
thought of the dangers of her situation.
My reflections were broken by the arrival of a Cossack, who came running
to tell me that the great Tzar summoned me to his presence.
"Where is he? " I asked, hastening to obey.
"In the Commandant's house," replied the Cossack. "After dinner our
father went to the bath; now he is resting. Ah, sir! you can see he is a
person of importance--he deigned at dinner to eat two roast
sucking-pigs; and then he went into the upper part of the vapour-bath,
where it was so hot that Tarass Kurotchkin himself could not stand it;
he passed the broom to Bikbaieff, and only recovered by dint of cold
water. You must agree; his manners are very majestic, and in the bath,
they say, he showed his marks of Tzar--on one of his breasts a
double-headed eagle as large as a petak,[58] and on the other his own
face. "
I did not think it worth while to contradict the Cossack, and I followed
him into the Commandant's house, trying to imagine beforehand my
interview with Pugatchef, and to guess how it would end.
The reader will easily believe me when I say that I did not feel wholly
reassured.
It was getting dark when I reached the house of the Commandant.
The gallows, with its victims, stood out black and terrible; the body of
the Commandant's poor wife still lay beneath the porch, close by two
Cossacks, who were on guard.
He who had brought me went in to announce my arrival. He came back
almost directly, and ushered me into the room where, the previous
evening, I had bidden good-bye to Marya Ivanofna.
I saw a strange scene before me. At a table covered with a cloth and
laden with bottles and glasses was seated Pugatchef, surrounded by ten
Cossack chiefs, in high caps and coloured shirts, heated by wine, with
flushed faces and sparkling eyes. I did not see among them the new
confederates lately sworn in, the traitor Chvabrine and the
"_ouriadnik_. "
"Ah, ah! so it is you, your lordship," said Pugatchef, upon seeing me.
"You are welcome. All honour to you, and a place at our feast. "
The guests made room. I sat down in silence at the end of the table.
My neighbour, a tall and slender young Cossack, with a handsome face,
poured me out a bumper of brandy, which I did not touch. I was busy
noting the company.
Pugatchef was seated in the place of honour, his elbows on the table,
and resting his black beard on his broad fist. His features, regular and
agreeable, wore no fierce expression. He often addressed a man of about
fifty years old, calling him sometimes Count, sometimes Timofeitsh,
sometimes Uncle.
Each man considered himself as good as his fellow, and none showed any
particular deference to their chief. They were talking of the morning's
assault, of the success of the revolt, and of their forthcoming
operations.
Each man bragged of his prowess, proclaimed his opinions, and freely
contradicted Pugatchef. And it was decided to march upon Orenburg, a
bold move, which was nearly crowned with success. The departure was
fixed for the day following.
The guests drank yet another bumper, rose from table, and took leave of
Pugatchef. I wished to follow them, but Pugatchef said--
"Stay there, I wish to speak to you! "
We remained alone together, and for a few moments neither spoke.
Pugatchef looked sharply at me, winking from time to time his left eye
with an indefinable expression of slyness and mockery. At last he gave
way to a long burst of laughter, and that with such unfeigned gaiety
that I myself, regarding him, began to laugh without knowing why.
"Well, your lordship," said he, "confess you were afraid when my fellows
cast the rope about your neck. I warrant the sky seemed to you the size
of a sheepskin. And you would certainly have swung beneath the
cross-beam but for your old servant. I knew the old owl again directly.
Well, would you ever have thought, sir, that the man who guided you to a
lodging in the steppe was the great Tzar himself? " As he said these
words he assumed a grave and mysterious air. "You are very guilty as
regards me," resumed he, "but I have pardoned you on account of your
courage, and because you did me a good turn when I was obliged to hide
from my enemies. But you shall see better things; I will load you with
other favours when I shall have recovered my empire. Will you promise to
serve me zealously? "
The robber's question and his impudence appeared to be so absurd that I
could not restrain a smile.
"Why do you laugh? " he asked, frowning. "Do you not believe me to be the
great Tzar? Answer me frankly. "
I did not know what to do. I could not recognize a vagabond as Emperor;
such conduct was to me unpardonably base. To call him an impostor to his
face was to devote myself to death; and the sacrifice for which I was
prepared on the gallows, before all the world, and in the first heat of
my indignation, appeared to me a useless piece of bravado. I knew not
what to say.
Pugatchef awaited my reply in fierce silence. At last (and I yet recall
that moment with satisfaction) the feeling of duty triumphed in me over
human weakness, and I made reply to Pugatchef--
"Just listen, and I will tell you the whole truth. You shall be judge.
Can I recognize in you a Tzar? You are a clever man; you would see
directly that I was lying. "
"Who, then, am I, according to you? "
"God alone knows; but whoever you be, you are playing a dangerous game. "
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.
CHAPTER IX.
THE PARTING.
The drum awoke me very early, and I went to the Square. There the troops
of Pugatchef were beginning to gather round the gallows where the
victims of the preceding evening still hung. The Cossacks were on
horseback, the foot-soldiers with their arms shouldered, their colours
flying in the air.
Several cannons, among which I recognized ours, were placed on field-gun
carriages. All the inhabitants had assembled in the same place, awaiting
the usurper. Before the door of the Commandant's house a Cossack held by
the bridle a magnificent white horse of Kirghiz breed. I sought with my
eyes the body of the Commandant's wife; it had been pushed aside and
covered over with an old bark mat.
At last Pugatchef came out of the house. All the crowd uncovered.
Pugatchef stopped on the doorstep and said good-morning to everybody.
One of the chiefs handed him a bag filled with small pieces of copper,
which he began to throw broadcast among the people, who rushed to pick
them up, fighting for them with blows.
The principal confederates of Pugatchef surrounded him. Among them was
Chvabrine. Our eyes met; he could read contempt in mine, and he looked
away with an expression of deep hatred and pretended mockery. Seeing me
in the crowd Pugatchef beckoned to me and called me up to him.
"Listen," said he, "start this very minute for Orenburg. You will tell
the governor and all the generals from me that they may expect me in a
week. Advise them to receive me with submission and filial love; if not,
they will not escape a terrible punishment. A good journey, to your
lordship. "
Then turning to the people, he pointed out Chvabrine.
"There, children," said he, "is your new Commandant; obey him in all
things; he answers to me for you and the fort. "
I heard these words with affright. Chvabrine become master of the place!
Marya remained in his power! Good God! what would become of her?
Pugatchef came down the steps, his horse was brought round, he sprang
quickly into the saddle, without waiting for the help of the Cossacks
prepared to aid him.
At this moment I saw my Saveliitch come out of the crowd, approach
Pugatchef, and present him with a sheet of paper. I could not think what
it all meant.
"What is it? " asked Pugatchef, with dignity.
"Deign to read it, and you will see," replied Saveliitch.
Pugatchef took the paper and looked at it a long time with an air of
importance. At last he said--
"You write very illegibly; our lucid[60] eyes cannot make out anything.
Where is our Chief Secretary? "
A youth in a corporal's uniform ran up to Pugatchef.
"Read it aloud," the usurper said to him, handing him the paper.
I was extremely curious to know on what account my retainer had thought
of writing to Pugatchef. The Chief Secretary began in a loud voice,
spelling out what follows--
"Two dressing gowns, one cotton, the other striped silk, six roubles. "
"What does that mean? " interrupted Pugatchef, frowning.
"Tell him to read further," rejoined Saveliitch, quite unmoved.
The Chief Secretary continued to read--
"One uniform of fine green cloth, seven roubles; one pair trousers,
white cloth, five roubles; twelve shirts of Holland shirting, with
cuffs, ten roubles; one box with tea service, two-and-a-half roubles. "
"What is all this nonsense?
