Page:The Czar, A Tale of the Time of the First Napleon.djvu/411

Rh shared the blessing; to the poor also the gospel was preached. One morning late in spring, when the frost and snow had at last disappeared and the Neva was navigable again, Ivan stood on the quay watching what was then to the inhabitants of St. Petersburg a strange sight and new. Amidst the numerous boats that cleft the blue waters with the aid of sail and oar came an unfamiliar monster, panting and puffing on its rapid way with an air of conscious power, while a dense column of steam issuing from its funnel bore witness to the triumph of modern science. Ivan gazed and wondered, until his attention was distracted by an exclamation in a voice he knew—"Great St. Nicholas!"

Turning a little, he saw beside him a sergeant of artillery, who was lifting up one hand in amazement.

"Michael Ivanovitch!" he cried. "I am heartily glad to see you. And so you have got your promotion," he added, touching his epaulette.

"Yes, Barrinka; and two orders," returned Michael, proudly showing the badges to Ivan. "We have just been sent here from Moscow, where we were stationed since September twelvemonths."

"You must come home with me," said Ivan. "My wife will be delighted to see you. She will send an account of your visit to your mother; for she writes a long letter every fortnight to Pope Nikita, with messages for half Nicolofsky."

"I shall soon be able to write to my mother myself, Barrinka," said Michael with an air of pride as he walked beside Ivan to the Fontanka. "It only takes one hand to do that," he explained.

"But it takes learning," returned Ivan laughing. "I did not know you were a scholar, Michael."

"Oh yes, Barrinka; there is a school in our regiment now, and we are learning to read and write. Barrinka, is it true that the words of the blessed Lord," he asked, crossing himself,