the evils that must ensue in the
struggle for freedom. We cannot hope to accomplish much,--there are so
few of us,--and we know that we shall perish, perhaps before we have
accomplished anything beyond paving the way for those that come after!
There is a terrible time in store for Russia, my friend! The masses are
ripe for revolt; even the bureaucracy know that now, and they try to
gain time by raising side issues. Therefore, here in the country
districts, they stir up the _moujiks_,--now against the tax-gatherers,
more often against the Jews. Murder and rapine follows; then the troops
are sent, who punish indiscriminately, in order to strike terror into
the people. They create a desolation and call it a peace; you have seen
an instance yourself on your way hither?"

I nodded, remembering that devastated village we had passed.

"The new League is striving to preserve peace and to save the innocent.
Here in the country its members are pledged first to endeavor to improve
the condition of the peasants, to teach them to be peaceable,
self-supporting, and self-respecting,--a hard, well-nigh hopeless task,
since in that, as in all other attempts at reform, one has to work in
defiance of the Government."

"Well, from what I've heard--and seen--during the last part of my
journey, you've managed to do a good deal in that way, sir," I suggested
respectfully.

"It is little enough. I have worked under sufferance, and, as it were,
with both hands tied," he said sadly. "If I had been any other, I should
have been sent to Siberia long ago. It is the mere accident of birth
that has saved me so far. But as to the League. The present plan of
campaign is, roughly speaking, to prevent riots and bloodshed. If news
is gained of an intended raid on an isolated country-house, or, what is
more frequent, on a Jews' quarter, a warning is sent to those
threatened, and if possible a defence arranged. Even from here I have
been able to assist a little in such matters." Again his eyes gleamed
with that swift flash of mirth, though he continued his grave speech.
"More than one catastrophe has been averted already, but the distances
are so great; often one hears only of the affairs after they are over.

"That will be part of your work. To bring news as you gather it,--the
Pavloffs will help you there,--and to accompany me when I choose to elude
my jailers for a few hours; perhaps to go in my stead, if it should be
impossible for me to get away.