Page:Pushkin - Russian Romance (King, 1875).djvu/108

96 leaving the fortress, took the Orenburg road, accompanied by Savelitch.

I was walking on in deep meditation, when suddenly I heard behind me the tramping of a horse. I looked back. A Cossack, galloping out of the fortress, and leading a Bashkir horse, was making signs to me. I awaited him, and soon recognized our orderly. Riding up to me, he dismounted, and handing over the bridle of the other horse, he said:

"Your lordship! our father makes you a present of a horse, and of a pelisse off his own back" (a sheepskin touloup was secured to the saddle), "also " muttered hesitatingly the orderly, "he also sends you half a rouble,  but I have lost it on the way: I entreat that you will generously forgive me."

Savelitch looked askance at him, and murmured:—

"Lost on the way! And what is it that jingles in thy breast? thou shameless fellow!"

"What jingles in my breast?" said the orderly, not in the least abashed: "God be with thee, little old man! It is the bridle that jingles, and not the half rouble."

"Very well," I said, interrupting the altercation; "thank him who sent thee, in my name; try to find the lost money on thy way back, and keep it for a vodka."

"Much obliged to you, your lordship," he answered, turning his horse's head: "I shall ever pray to God for you."

So saying, he galloped back, keeping one hand inside his breast, and in a few minutes was out of sight.