farther I
will not let you go with me.' I was obliged to be firm. I gave him the
reins of my horse. His was without saddle or bridle. He had guided it
with a rough halter. When he saw that I was firm, he burst into tears.

"`Who shall I have to speak to me? Where shall I again hear such words
as you have uttered?' he exclaimed.

"Again I told him I was but a poor peasant, and that I could not help
him. All I could do was to advise him not to rest till he had found a
copy of that book which had given me such wisdom as I possessed. I knew
not how further to afford him advice.

"`I will, I will!' he exclaimed. `I will find that book before I rest
from the search. When I have found it, I will not cease from studying
it, and I will often think of you who told me of it.'

"This thought seemed to console him. He told me that if I would let him
ride one verst more with me he would then turn back. This I could not
refuse; but he rode very slowly, and made the verst a very long one. At
the end of it I dismounted once more, on the skirts of a wood, when,
embracing my young friend, I charged him to return, while I plunged
hastily among the trees. I hurried on that I might get into the depths
of the forest before I should chance to meet any one who might have
authority to stop me. For several more days I travelled on, across
plains and through forests, till my provisions ran short. I wanted rest
also. A few versts on was a village, but I dared not enter it till the
evening, and I must then depart privately and speedily, before any
inquiries might be made concerning me. I had plenty of money, so that I
could always purchase provisions. I, one morning, had just entered a
forest; I walked on through it till I suddenly found myself on the
farther edge. It was on a slight elevation, and, as I looked down on
the plain surrounding it, I recognised the village I was in search of.
It was scarcely more than fifty versts from my native hamlet. In two
nights more I might be there. I longed to push on, and for the moment I
felt that I could reach the place by the following morning; but I
remembered that by precipitation or carelessness I should make
unavailing all my long-continued toils and exertions. Of course every
day, as I drew nearer home, I ran a greater chance of being recognised.
I retreated, therefore, a little way into the forest, and climbing up
into a tree, secured myself as usual, and fell asleep. Those