Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/237

Rh his delight at my release, made me smile.—“And my companions,” said I to Makarow, “are they free too?” “They will be, I believe, but the order is not yet despatched: in the meantime, have your beard shaved immediately, as I have not a moment to lose, we must start directly.” “Why shall I shave my beard,” said I, “there was no harm in letting it grow for two years; there should not be any in appearing with it before my friends.” “That cannot be,” replied he, somewhat angrily, “if you desire to go out immediately you must be shaved.” “Go then,” said I, “see the other prisoners; and console them, as my departure would make them uneasy.” He went out, and whilst he was visiting them, they first cut, and then shaved my beard. I took my fur boots, cap and pelisse, and when Makarow returned I was ready.

I have already mentioned that I brought with me twenty or thirty books, I now asked Makarow to allow me to present them to the prison, which he permitted. Although