thing necessary for such an undertaking, which we had prepared with so
much trouble, had fallen into the hands of the Japanese, with our
companions.

Whilst we were yet discussing the possibility of flight, four of our
pursuers, two of whom were armed with spears, and the other two with
sabres, came directly towards us, searching even nooks and corners,
where a dog could hardly hide. I now took in my hand the pole with
the chisel fastened to it; but Makarov, with tears in his eyes, begged
me not to defend myself, or injure any of the Japanese, for if I did
so I would ruin not only us two, but all my companions, whilst by a
voluntary surrender, we might all perhaps be saved. These words made
such a deep impression on me, that I immediately struck my spear in
the ground, and walked out followed by Makarov.

The Japanese were so startled at our sudden appearance, that they
stepped backwards a few paces; but when they saw that we were unarmed,
they grew bolder, advanced towards us, seized us, bound our hands
behind our backs, and led us towards a house which stood on the sea
shore. Here we found the rest of our party, who had already been
taken. Our captors now treated us to rice-broth, herrings, radishes,
tea, and sago. Not the slightest injury did they do us, nor even
bestow a single invective on us, either whilst they were taking us to
the house, or after we got there. On the contrary, when they remarked
that I limped and walked with difficulty, two of them took me by the
arms, and assisted me over the hills and dangerous places. After
resting here for an hour, they bound our hands, as they had formerly
done, and led us along the sea shore under a strong escort, back to
Matsmai.

We remarked that the Japanese had stuck little staves in our
footprints, wherever we had gone during the night, and we learnt from
them that they had never once lost sight of our trail. Indeed, they
had often seen us, and had watched us when we slept or took our frugal
meals. Why they had never seized us, we could not imagine. Perhaps,
with their well known cowardice, they feared lest we might defend
ourselves, and kill some of them. As often as we passed through a
valley, the inhabitants flocked out of their houses to see us, but to
their credit be it said, that we never received from them the
slightest injury nor even a mocking word. They all regarded us with
pity, and some of the women, who gave us food and drink, wept! So much
good feel