"Yes, yes! Is it far?"
"Not far; about ten miles."
At this answer Vladimir clutched hold of his hair, and stood motionless, like a man condemned to death.
"Where do you come from?" added the man. Vladimir had not the courage to reply.
"My man," he said, "can you procure me horses to Jadrino?"
"We have no horses," answered the peasant.
"Could I find a guide? I will pay him any sum he likes."
"Stop!" said the old man, dropping the shutter; "I will send my son out to you; he will conduct you."
Vladimir waited. Scarcely a minute had passed when he again knocked. The shutter was lifted, and a beard was seen.
"What do you want?"