Page:The Boy Travellers in the Russian Empire.djvu/188

182 One of the youths asked if it was always necessary to clear the streets in this way when the Emperor rode out.

"Not by any means," the shopkeeper replied, "as he often rides out in a drosky, with only a single attendant following him. He goes at full speed along the street, and his progress is so rapid that not one person in twenty can recognize him before he gets out of sight. If he goes less

rapidly he is followed by several officers; and when he rides in a carriage with two or more horses, he is accompanied by his hody-guard of Circassians, or by a company or section of Cossacks.

"Nicholas and Alexander II. used to drive about quite frequently in a drosky, which was much like the ordinary ones on the streets, except that it was neater and more costly, and drawn hy the finest horse the Empire could produce. Since the assassination of Alexander II., and the plots of the Nihilists against the Imperial life, we rarely see the Emperor driving in this way, as it would afford too much opportunity for assassins. Alexander III. generally rides in a carriage, accompanied by some of his officers and surrounded hy his body-guard. Ah! here they come."

As he spoke a squadron of cavalry came in sight, and soon passed the