“‘From the Petrovsky mine,’ he replied.
“‘When did you leave it?’
“‘Three weeks ago.’
“‘Where have you been during that time?’
“‘Hiding in the forest, and among the rocks; but take me back, and I will not resist.’
“‘Well, come along,’ I said, in a tone of authority; and we led him to the place we had just left.
“Two of us held the muskets over our prisoner, while I questioned him closely, and found that he was, like ourselves, escaping from captivity. When fully satisfied of the truth of his story, I nodded to my companions, and told him our true character.
MUTUAL ASTONISHMENT.
“He opened his eyes in astonishment, and then fell on his knees, to thank Heaven that he was yet free. Of course he was added to our party, though Egar urged that it was the safest plan to put him to death, and thus prevent the possibility of his escaping and giving information of our movements.
“But all the rest were opposed to such a bloody deed, as we shrunk from killing a fellow-being, and besides, were satisfied that the man told the truth.