Russia in 1839 -Empire of the Czar: A Journey Through Eternal Russia

272 CONDUCT OF HIS FELLOW TRAVELLER.

As soon as I was dressed, I repaired to M. E,,

and found, true enough, that it was the bronze-com-plexioned man of Nijni. The only difference was, that at Moseow he had an agitated air, very different from his former immobility. I found him out of bed ; we reeognised each other in a moment; but when I told him the objeet of my very early morning call, he appeared embarrassed.

" It is true that I have travelled," he said, " with M. Pernet, but it was by mere chance ; we met at Archangel, and from thence have proceeded in company : he has a very poor constitution, and his weak health gave me much uneasiness during the journey: I rendered him the sendees that humanity ealled for, but nothing more; I am not one of his friends ; I know nothing of him."

" I know still less of him," I replied; " but we are all three Frenchmen, and we owe eaeh other mutual aid in a eountry where our liberty and our life may be menaced any moment by a power which eannot be seen till it strikes."

" Perhaps M. Pernet," replied M. R, " has

got himself into this serape by some imprudence. A stranger as well as he is, and without credit, what can I do ? If he is innocent, the arrest will be followed by no serious consequenees ; if he is culpable, he will have to submit to the punishment. I ean do nothing for him, I owe him nothing ; and I advise you, sir, to be yourself very cautious in any steps you may take in his favour, as well as in your language respecting the affair."

" But what will decide his guilt ?" I exclaimed. " It will be first of all necessary to see him, to know