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

BARON DE STERNBERG.101

î¢ The baron alì this tune maintained a profound silence. The expression of his countenance was grave but not sinister. He requested a little time to reflect upon the course he should take, and withdrew, saying that in a quarter of an hour he would give his answer.

" Some minutes before the expiration of the stipulated time, he suddenly burst into the saloon tlmough a secret door, threw himself upon the too adventurous stranger, and stabbed him to the heart.

" Orders had been meantime given to destroy the last man of the boat's crew. Silence, for a moment disturbed by so many murders, again reigned in this den of robbers. The tutor of the child had, however, overheard all that had passed: he continued to listen, but could at length only hear the step of the baron, and the deep snore of the Corsairs as, wrapped in their sheep-skins, they slept on the stairs of the tower.

" The baron, uneasy and siispicious, entered the chamber of this man; and examined his features with scrupulous attention. Standing near the bed, with the still bloody poniard in his hand, he watched a long time for the least signs which could betray a feigned slumber. At length, convinced that he was in a deep sleep, he resolved to let him live.

" Perfection in crime is as rare as in anything

else," said the Prince К, interrupting his narra

tion.

We made no answer, for we were impatient to know the end of the history. He continued: —

" The suspicions of the tutor had been roused for some time past. As soon as the first words of the Dutch captain had met his ear he rose up, and wit-F 3