Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/230

202 force.” “Try if you dare;” and with that I put the phial in my pocket. “Corporal,” exclaimed he with rage, “take the phial from him.” The latter approached and attempted to grasp me by the arm, when I turned suddenly, seized my chair, and was ready to hurl it at him, uttering at the same time a scream which shook the prison. My assailants thereupon made their exit, and the Praporszczyk threatened to report this occurrence to the Procurator General.—“And I will take my pen and write to him also,” answered I, “nay, I will do more, I will write to the Empress herself.” I spoke on purpose of the Empress to disconcert the fellow, and to deprive him of the least suspicion that I could be acquainted with anything concerning the change which had just happened. In less than half an hour my letters were ready, the one to Makarow, and the other to the Procurator General. I sent for a light and sealing wax, when my knave, as cowardly as insolent, coming and ordering the soldier to withdraw, became very humble and sweet.