Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/129

Rh leading to the draw-bridge, which joined the fortress with the out-works. Behind high walls, extending in the shape of a flêche, appeared in the distance a wooden-house. The door of this house was opened, and, followed by our conductors, we entered a passage lighted by a single candle; there were on both sides of it small doors, and at each of them I saw a sentry standing as immoveable as a statue. They ushered me into a room at the farthest end of the passage, and I saw myself in a cell, the odour and dampness of which evinced that it was newly whitewashed. “This is your abode,” said my guardian angels, “and, according to the regulations of the house, you will allow us to search you.” “If it is the rule,” said I, “I will spare you the trouble;” and immediately I drew from my pockets two rolls of ducats, my watch, and a few papers of no importance. They took the whole and withdrew, leaving in their place a corporal with five soldiers. I threw my eyes upon my new dwelling; it was a small room,