to a certainty, but
I thought it very likely that it was of a much more ancient date. As
may be supposed, I was not in a condition to consider the subject. The
unusual exertion and excitement I had just gone through made rest very
requisite, so, commending myself to my Maker, I lay down on the couch,
and endeavoured to sleep. Sleep, however, for long refused to visit my
eyelids. I listened, but not a sound could I hear. Thankful was I when
I felt sleep stealing on me at last."

CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

Fears for old Sidor's Safety--Continues Journey--Encounter with young
Horse-drovers--Superstitions of Russia--Young Vacia--Sleeps in a Tree.

"I awoke much refreshed. A glimmer of light still came into the cave,
so I knew that night had not yet set in. My chief anxiety was now to
learn what had become of Sidor. I arose, and took some of the food I
found in the cupboard. It consisted of bread and cheese and dried fish,
with a pitcher of water. The food, though very dry, was free from
mould. It was sufficient to sustain nature; more could not be required.
Much strengthened, I resolved before proceeding on my way to go back to
Sidor's hut as soon as darkness would allow me to approach it without
risk of being seized by my enemies. I therefore crawled out of the
hole, and, placing the brambles over the entrance as before, stood
upright in the pathway leading to it through the thicket. I walked
along cautiously, listening as I went; I heard no sound, so, removing
the bushes at the entrance, I looked out. The sun had just set, and
darkness was rapidly coming on. I looked around in every direction; I
could see no one. It was, however, safer to wait till it was so dark
that I could not be distinguished at a distance, should any of my
enemies be prowling about. I went back, and sat down on the ground.
When night came on I sallied forth from my hiding-place, and walked
towards Sidor's hut. No light gleamed through the window or open
doorway as I approached. This foreboded ill, I thought. I reached the
hut; all was silent. I looked in at the window; I could see no one, nor
could I hear a sound. I entered the hut; it was empty. By the glimmer
of light which yet remained I discovered that even the scanty furniture,
the old man's only property, had been removed. There was nothing to
tell me what had become of my kind friend, but my fears suggested that
by the cruel hand of the law he had been carried off, an