Page:Pushkin - Russian Romance (King, 1875).djvu/89

Rh, when, to my indescribable astonishment, I saw amongst the rebel heads Shvabrine, with his hair evenly cut round, and wearing a Cossack caftan. He approached Pougatcheff, and whispered a few words to him.

"Let him be hanged!" said Pougatcheff, without looking at me.

A noose was thrown around my neck; I silently repeated a prayer, bringing sincere repentance for all my sins before God, and imploring the salvation of all dear to me. I was hurried to the gibbet.

"Do not fear—do not fear," repeated my executioners, perhaps really seeking to encourage me.

Suddenly I heard a cry; "Hold on, you cursed fellows!—hold on!"

The executioners paused. I looked back. Savelitch lay at Pougatcheff's feet.

"My father!" my poor servant was saying, "of what use can the death of that gentleman's child be to thee? Let him go; thou canst obtain a ransom for him; and, if thou dost want to make an example, and inspire fear, then let me, an old man, be hanged!"

Pougatcheff made a sign, my bonds were loosened, and I was set free.

"Our father pardons thee," was said to me.

I could not at that moment declare that I was overjoyed at my deliverance, though I did not regret it. My sensations were too confused. I was again conducted to the Pretender, and made to kneel before him. Pougatcheff extended his veined hand towards me.

"Kiss his hand—kiss his hand!" everybody repeated.