Page:Pushkin - Russian Romance (King, 1875).djvu/78

66 and, shaking his head, he opened his mouth, where, instead of his tongue, he moved a short stump.

When I call to mind that this has happened in my life-time, and that I have lived to see the mild reign of the Emperor Alexander, I cannot but marvel at the rapid strides civilization has made, and at the diffusion of humane measures. Young man! should these pages fall into your hands, bear in mind that the best and most lasting reforms are those which emanate from the amelioration of morals without violent commotions.

We were all painfully overcome.

"Well," said the commandant, "I see we are not to expect anything from him; Youlaï, lead the Bashkir back to the store-room. And we, gentlemen, have still something to discuss."

We were beginning to consider our position, when Vassilissa Yegorovna rushed into the room breathless and agitated.

"What has happened?" asked the astonished commandant.

"My little father—a calamity," answered Vassilissa Yegorovna. "The fortress of Nijneōzero has been taken this morning. Father Gherassim's workman has just returned from there. He saw them take it. The commandant and all the officers have been hanged. All the soldiers are made prisoners. The wretches will be here before one has time to turn."

This unexpected intelligence impressed me forcibly. I was acquainted with the commandant of the fortress of Nijneōzero, a quiet unassuming young man; he had been