Nothing daunted, by these seeming obstacles, he resolved on setting out for the place the very next day.
CHAPTER VI.
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE PRIME MINISTER.
Leaving it to Margaret to explain to the old people the reason for his absence, Gerald started the next morning soon after dawn. When she saw him ready to set out, the good woman almost repented of having consented to his going; still she made no attempt to dissuade him from his purpose. She provided him with the best food the cottage could afford, and with tears in her eyes, bade him “God speed.” The day was favourable, and he tripped along with a light heart and a light step. No one, to see him, would have imagined that he was seeking to be placed in circumstances, at the thought of which many stout-hearted men quailed. He did not dwell however, on the hardships and dangers that might await him; he only thought of how he should gladden the spirits of those who had so long acted the part of parents to him. He knew that they would be grieved to purchase their own comfort at the sacrifice of his liberty, and it might be of his health also; but he hoped that his youth and good constitution would enable him to bear the toil for a time, ‘and perhaps,’ thought he, ‘I may find favour in the sight of the Czar, and he may not doom me to spend all my best days at such work.’
In his way to the island where the Emperor’s humble court was kept, Gerald passed the spot where Michael’s cottage had once stood, the spot where he had been rescued by his kind guardian from a watery grave. The view of this place, and the recollections it called forth, seemed to give him new strength and spirit for his undertaking and though wearied with his journey, he went on even brisker than before.
Some of the fishermen’s huts were still occupied, and Gerald stopped at one of them to inquire his way. One of the men directed him, supposing him to be the bearer of a message from some person in authority; for he took the precaution to keep his plan secret from every body, lest the telling it should by any means mar its success.
It was nearly dark when he reached that part of the river’s banks which faced the island, but late as it was he resolved on trying to get over that night. While he was standing considering what would be the best means to adopt, three men came within sight, and jumped into a boat which was moored hard by. Gerald ran eagerly down to the beach, calling loudly to attract their attention, ‘May I ask, whither are you going my friends.’
‘We are servants of his excellency, Prince Mentzikoff, and are going to his house,’ replied one of the men.
‘Will you row me over with you?’ asked Gerald, at the same time holding out a small coin.
‘Have you any business with his excellency?’ inquired one.
‘My business is with the Czar, but I should be glad to see Prince Mentzikoff first, if I could get admittance to him,’ Gerald replied.