pleasure in this
dreadful weather,' exclaimed Count Barezewski, giving orders for his men
to provide torches and other needful apparatus, and come with him to
find out what was amiss. They set off in the direction of the forest
whence the report of the gun had proceeded--the identical spot where
Catharine Somoff had been threatened by the bear some years ago. Great
anxiety was felt at the Castle during the hour that passed before the
brave Barezewski appeared, followed by his men, who bore the body of a
bleeding Russian on a litter.

Catharine hastened to look at her fellow-countryman, and then expressed
a wish to dress his wound. The stranger was soon restored to
consciousness by the humane attentions of his hosts, and able to express
his gratitude, as well as mention a few particulars of his adventures on
this wintry day.

He said: 'I am a Muscovite merchant on my way to Warsaw. Before leaving
this part, I wished to go and see a friend living at some little
distance. I took my gun, and walked to his castle, where I was belated.
The snow fell in large flakes; I lost my path. In vain I sought the
proper road, when, noticing two men coming in my direction, I hastened
to ask them to put me in the right way. I did not mistrust them the
least in the world, and was patiently awaiting their reply, when
suddenly both these rascals rushed upon me, throwing me to the ground,
and robbed me of the small sum of money I had in my purse. I uttered a
cry; then one of them, evidently intending to kill me, pointed his gun
at my heart, and fired.'

All this time Catharine had kept her eyes intently fixed upon the
stranger's countenance; she seemed to recall some well-known features,
without being able to remember where she had seen them. Her heart beat
violently, and her interest in the new-comer became greater every
moment; indeed, her feelings appeared to be excited in an unaccountable
manner. Count Barezewski begged his guest to give him a few details of
the terrible fire at Moscow, which had caused so much misery and
distress to both Russians and French. The Russian seemed to feel a very
great disinclination to comply with his host's request; however, when he
reflected upon the hospitality and kindness he was receiving, he knew
not how to refuse. His voice betrayed excessive emotion as he described
the sad sight of this immense conflagration; but as soon as he came to
his own private misfortunes, he burst into tears, and with a d