sently returned with writing
materials, and Godfrey then wrote a long letter to Alexis, explaining at
length the reasons that actuated him in deciding to give himself up.

"You are in good hands," he said, "and I could do nothing for you; and
in any case I should have to leave you now, for did I not give myself up
I must leave this evening, therefore I could do no good to you in any
case. I know that you were half inclined to stay with the Buriats, and
you will now have even greater reasons for doing so than before. If,
however, you should at any future time change your mind and try to make
your escape, I need not tell you how delighted I should be to see you in
England. I inclose the address of my father's office, where you will be
sure either to find me or to hear of me. But even if I have not got home
you will receive the heartiest welcome when you tell him of our having
been together and show him this letter, and you may rely upon it that my
father will be able to procure a situation for you in London, even if he
cannot find a berth for you in his own house of business."

When he had finished he handed the letter to the Buriat to give to
Alexis.

"Here is money," the Buriat said, "which my wife found upon Alexis. You
had better take it with you."

"I cannot do that," Godfrey said, "it is his; I have some of my own. I
know he would gladly give it to me if he were conscious; but I cannot
take it now."

"Very well," the Buriat said, "you are doubtless right; but at any rate
you can take some from me. I am rich. I have many thousands of sheep and
cattle. If you do not take it I shall be offended, and shall think that
in some way we have displeased you. A thousand roubles are nothing to
me; I have given as much for one suit of furs for my wife. You must take
this; if you ever attempt to escape again, you will need money."

After much debate Godfrey accepted five hundred roubles in notes, seeing
that the Buriat would be really pained by his refusal, and knowing that
the money would indeed be useful to him when he next tried to make his
escape. Being anxious to hear the surgeon's next report about Alexis,
Godfrey delayed his start until after his visit.

"There is no change," the doctor said, after examining his patient, "nor
did I expect there would be after such serious injuries as he has
received. It would be strange, indeed, if he did not suffer from the
shock. It may be some days before any change takes place.