s are within it."

As the young ladies spoke, they led Higson and Tom to a side window,
from whence they could see a troop of Cossacks, followed by a
considerable number of foot-soldiers, passing along the road a short
distance off beyond the garden. There could thus be no doubt that their
retreat was cut off.

"You are perfectly safe here," said Ivanowna; "though, as a protection,
we will shut the windows leading into the garden. I have great hopes
that Herr Groben will reach the boat in time to warn your friends, so as
to prevent bloodshed, which is our great object; there has been too much
spilt already in a bad cause. We could not sympathise with those who
are guilty of the massacre of Sinope, and we believe that this cruel war
was unnecessary. It may seem strange to you that I should thus express
myself," she continued, observing Higson's look of surprise; "but our
mother is half an Englishwoman, and we have been taught to regard the
English with affection."

"I am very glad to hear it," said Higson, a strange feeling taking
possession of his heart; indeed, he was much inclined to ask whether she
could regard an Englishman with affection, but he wisely forbore to put
the question. He, indeed, just then had his thoughts occupied about the
boats. "Could you allow us to go to a window from whence we could watch
what is going forward on the river?" he asked. "I am afraid that my
friends may be tempted to remain, in the hopes of receiving us on board,
till the Cossacks are down upon them."

"Not if Herr Groben succeeds in carrying out his intention," she
answered. "But come with us to a room in the second storey, and from
thence you will have a view of the river, and be able to watch the
progress of the boats. It is our boudoir, but under the circumstances
we will venture to admit you."

Higson and Tom assured the young ladies that they very much appreciated
the confidence placed in them, and forthwith accompanied them upstairs.
Just as they entered the room, which they had time to see was prettily
ornamented with pictures on the walls, an easel, ladies' embroidery
frames, and numerous other elegant articles, the loud rattle of musketry
reached their ears. The young ladies uttered a cry of alarm.

"Pray do not be over-anxious about the matter," said Higson;
"musket-balls do not always reach the object they are aimed at, and it
does not follow that any harm is done."

As he and Tom and the young ladies