heard him
boasting about the things for which he is here, I thought he was more
dangerous than those who grumbled and threatened."

The governor nodded. "Yes, he is a thorough-paced villain; you have done
very well, young man, and I shall not forget it."

Five days later there was a stir in front of the hospital, and Mikail,
whose bed was by the side of the window, raised himself on his elbow and
looked out.

"It is a punishment parade," he said; "I expect they are going to flog
Koshkin with the _plete_. No governor of a prison is allowed to do that
until the circumstances of the case have been sent to the governor of
the province, and the sentence receives his approval; that is no doubt
what has caused the delay. All the prisoners are mustering."

Godfrey, who was in the next bed, managed to draw himself on to
Mikail's, and then to sit up so as to look out. The whole of the
convicts of that prison, some eight hundred in number, were drawn up
forming three sides of a square; in front of them, four paces apart,
were a line of soldiers with fixed bayonets, while behind was another
line. Then Koshkin, stripped to the waist, was brought forward and bound
to a thick board having an iron leg, so that when laid down the board
inclined to an angle of about thirty degrees. On this he was so strapped
as to be perfectly immovable. Then a man approached with the dreaded
whip and took his place on one side of the criminal. The governor then
entered the square. He was attended by all the prison officials. His
face was very grave and stern, and he walked along the lines,
scrutinizing closely each man as he passed him. Then he took his place
in the centre of the square and held up his hand.

"This man," he said, "has attempted to murder the starosta of his ward,
and is for this sentenced to fifty lashes. Let this be a lesson to all
here."

Then he signalled to the executioner, who brought down his lash with
great force upon the bare back of the prisoner. A terrible cry broke
from Koshkin. Two more blows were given, and then the executioner moved
to the other side and delivered another three blows. In this way the
lashes crossed each other at an angle. Godfrey could look no more, but
crawled back on to his own bed. Mikail continued looking out until the
punishment was over.

"He has not bled," he said; "he will die."

"How do you mean, Mikail?"

"Well, that is how it is, Ivan. It is as the executioner likes, or as he
is orde