Balgonie bowed in silence.
The General, who, of course, knew well the corrupt venality of the Russian service, added:—
"If the sum is brought entire to the Treasury, Carl Ivanovitch, a reasonable gratuity will, of course, be paid you."
"Excellency, I require none for doing my duty, either in this or any other matter," replied Balgonie coldly, even haughtily.
"As you please, sir,—as you please. Some among us might be less particular," said the old General, tugging his grisly mustaches. "And stay; by-the-bye, there is a prisoner in Schlusselburg, whose sentence is to be executed to-morrow, in presence of the assembled troops and people here——"
Balgonie thought of but one prisoner there; and an icy chill came over him, as Weymarn said—
"With the escort and the kabitka, Captain, you will, at the same time, bring the culprit here."
"And—and this pris—on—oner, Excellency?" faltered the poor fellow.
"Is Jagouski, the Cossack, who so severely wounded Colonel Bernikoff when in the execution of his duty."
Charlie breathed more freely.