erson was dangerous. Yet apparently everything went on as usual: the
theatres were as well filled; the Nevski as crowded and gay.

CHAPTER IV.

A PRISONER.

Soon after this St. Petersburg was startled at the news that there had
been a terrible explosion at the Winter Palace, and that the Czar and
royal family had narrowly escaped with their lives. Upon the following
evening Godfrey was walking down the Nevski, where groups of people were
still discussing the terrible affair. He presently met Akim Soushiloff
and Petroff Stepanoff. He had not seen them for some time, and as they
had omitted to give him the address of the lodging into which they had
moved, he was really glad to see them, for he liked them better than any
of the Russians of his acquaintance, for both had an earnest manner and
seemed to be free from narrow prejudices, sincere admirers of England,
and on most subjects very well informed.

"It is quite an age since I have seen you both," he said. "Where have
you been hiding?"

"We have been working harder than usual," Petroff said; "our last
examinations are just coming off. But you said that you would come to
see us, and you have never done so."

"You did not tell me where you had moved to," Godfrey said, "or I should
have done so long ago."

"That was stupid indeed!" Akim said. "Have you an hour to spare now?"

"Yes, I have nothing to do, and shall be very glad to come round and
have a talk. This is a horrible business at the Winter Palace."

"Horrible," Petroff said; "but it is just as well not to talk about it
in the streets. Come along, we will take you to our place; we were just
thinking of going back."

A quarter of an hour's walking took them to the students' room, which
was, like the last, at the top of the house. A lamp was lighted, the
samovar placed on the table, and a little charcoal fire lit under it. A
glass of vodka was handed round to pass the time until the water was
boiling, pipes were brought out from the cupboard and filled, for
cigars, which are cheap and good, are generally smoked in the streets in
Russia by the middle and upper classes, pipes being only used there by
Isvostchiks, labourers, and Englishmen. The conversation naturally for a
time turned upon the explosion in the Winter Palace, the Russians
expressing an indignation fully equal to that of Godfrey. Then they
talked of England, both regretting that they were unable to speak the
language.

"I would give m