[1] Primeval forest.
[2] Vodka could only be procured at the stores belonging to the mine-owners, and was dealt out in limited quantities. On this account there was a flourishing contraband trade. A gallon of even inferior quality was sold for a hundred roubles. A strong, sober miner, able to forgo his vodka and sell it, could make a good sum in this way.—Author's note.
[3] Brodiaga—a criminal deported to Siberia, who has escaped from prison, or who, not having been sentenced to imprisonment, cannot find work, and has become a vagrant or bandit.
[4] The Poles deported to Siberia from Poland in the eighteenth century.
[5] "Juntas"—boots without heels, with soft soles and wide legs.
[6] The Polish Revolution of 1863.
[7] The greeting commonly used by the peasants.
[8] I.e., about the Revolutionists' plans. Maciej is accused of being a spy.
[9] "Sorokowiki"—58 degrees below zero.
[10] Alluding to the universal custom in Poland at the Christmas Eve dinner. The host hands round a wafer—which has been blessed by the priest—and breaks it with the guests, and they with another, good wishes being exchanged meanwhile. It is also sent with good wishes to friends at a distance.