Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/91

Rh two other officers in a kibitka; the whole preceded and followed by a detachment of horse. The day was not yet breaking; snow, mixed with hail, was battering the carriage windows, so that we were not able to recognize objects, and the horses and carriages, sinking in rugged and half frozen roads, were stopping at every moment. It was a damp and piercing cold; I felt pain in my wound, but I suffered still more from the afflicting thoughts which burthened my mind. Until this time, we had at least the satisfaction of being with our countrymen; and though free intercourse was interdicted, we could, nevertheless, see each other now and then, and exchange a few words which might be indifferent to others, but which were of the greatest interest to us. Among those who came or were sent to see us, when we were on our journey, we met old acquaintance, friends, compassionate souls; but now, surrounded by gaolers, separated for ever from all that was dear to us, sure of a cruel lot, uncertain only what kind of torments were reserved for us,