Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/173

Rh that I would look for one. I sent my guard for some water, and after having taken a comb, I wrote, with one of its teeth, on the first book I had at hand, the following lines: “I have suffered here six weeks; they have flattered and threatened me in turn: I answer with due dignity. Who are the other prisoners here? I have lost the use of my right hand. They have taken all my money from me. Give the bearer a ducat, and be cautious in writing to me. I embrace you heartily.” I was soon convinced that the corporal received the ducat, for the next evening, he brought me back my book, (Vaillant's Travels) and I found in it a blank leaf before the title-page filled unceremoniously with writing. Mostowski informed me in it, that, contrary to the capitulation signed by Suwarow, the first article of which insured to the inhabitants of Warsaw immunity, security, and oblivion of the past, Catherine had given an order, signed by herself, to seize him, as well as Potocki, Zakrzewski, Kapostas, and Kilimski; that Kollontay had saved himself by flight,