demon Stackanoff is disgraced, and he will never forget.
He will learn that it was I--Vilnoff--who told the prince the whole
truth, and he will repay me. Ah, he will not forget! And you, too, you
Englishmen; he will take his revenge on you also. A Cossack never
forgives. But there will be time to talk of this. Come with me. You
can be free and lie with me beneath my blankets if you will only promise
to stay and not give me the slip."

Phil held a few moments' hurried conversation with Tony before giving
the desired promise.

"We must remember that we are prisoners, Tony," he said, "and though
this good fellow, Vilnoff, is evidently inclined to be most friendly,
and act differently from the majority of his comrades, thereby making
our lot easier, yet we have a duty to perform. We must escape at the
earliest opportunity and try to rejoin our comrades."

"Should think so," Tony grunted. "If it hadn't been for this here chap
there's no saying what would have happened. Most like we should have
been run through with their pig-stickers same as poor old Sam. Those
Cossacks gave me a taste of their gentle treatment on the way here.
They trotted pretty nearly all the way, and if I dragged a bit on the
rope, the brute who was in charge of me just picked up the slack of his
lasso and whopped me over the shoulders. I can feel the sting yet. He
was a big black-bearded chap, and I shall know him and be able to talk
to him in the proper way next time we meets, see if I sha'n't. Yes,
Phil, we've got to get out of this as quick as we can. As for the
promise to Vilnoff, you do as you like."

"Very well," said Phil, turning to the Cossack. "How long are we likely
to be in your charge?" he asked.

"Only till to-morrow, Englishman. Then we Cossacks will leave the camp
and act as outposts and scouts, while you and your friend may be sent
into the fortress. In any case, you will be handed over to the
infantry. Do not fear. I will speak a word for you."

"Then we promise not to attempt to escape while in your charge,
Vilnoff."

"Good!" exclaimed the Cossack. "You will promise, and that is enough,
for we have heard that an Englishman prides himself upon his honour.
After I have left you can do as you wish," he added, smiling in their
faces. "And perhaps it were better that you should risk anything rather
than Stackanoff's vengeance. Ah, that man is a brute! Now, follow me,
and I will see what can be done in the way