“I have endured tortures until a month since I managed to escape.
“I made a raft and drifted down the Lena. I knew not—I cared not—where it took me so long as it was away from that hated prison.
“But even now I know that the hounds of the prison are after me. They have crossed the country to intercept me, and may be upon me at any moment. Before God I pray you, if you have not hearts of stone, do not give me up to them!
“I am innocent of the crimes charged against me as God in heaven knows! I beg of you to have mercy upon me!”
The fervid appeal reached the heart of every one of the voyagers.
Frank interpreted the story to them, and then taking the poor wretch’s hand, said:
“They shall never take you while we live. We believe your story and will aid you.”
The poor fellow burst into tears. He fairly embraced Frank in his joy.
“Surely there will be a reward for you up there,” he said, devoutly, pointing upward. “You will not be punished for helping the poor convict.”
Barney procured some decent clothes for the escaped exile.