who have
not toiled on, day after day, can scarcely understand the suddenness
with which I could lose all consciousness in sleep, or the ease with
which I could again awake at the slightest unusual sound. Those placed
in the position I so long have been in, can most fully appreciate the
blessing of sleep."

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

A Russian Village--Danger of being discovered--Providential Warning--
Flight--Approach to his Native Village--Horror on discovering his Home
deserted--Encounter with old Soukhoroukof--Taken to his House--Account
of his Parents--Aneouta carried away--His Agony--Encouraged to rouse
himself--Plans for rescuing his Parents and Aneouta--Sets off again--
Encounter with Zingari--Old Friends--A bold Exploit--They offer to
assist him--Plan arranged.

"I have given a far longer account of myself and my travels than I
intended, gentlemen, but I wished to interest you," continued the
stranger. "I trust that I have done so already. What I have further to
tell you will, I hope, excite your sympathy and commiseration, and
induce you to accede to the request I have to make. I awoke just before
sunset, and descending from my tree hastened towards the village, now
bathed in the calm glow of the evening. I knew the spot well. I had
often been there. I recognised the little church with its gilt dome and
blue and pink walls, the pride of all the inhabitants--the whitewashed
houses of the richer villagers, and the rough log-huts, thatched with
straw, of the poorer serfs. A sparkling stream ran by it, and green
fields and orchards surrounded the place. It was altogether a
flourishing little village. The stream ran from out of the side of the
very hill from which I was descending. I stopped by its brink, and
having enjoyed a draught of the clear, pure, cold water, I took off my
upper garments, and washed away all signs of travel from my countenance.
Much refreshed, I proceeded. I had hopes of finding some one who could
give me information about my parents. I walked on with as unconcerned
an air as possible. First I went to a baker's shop, where I bought
bread, but he scarcely knew the name of my village. I procured also
some cheese, and salt, and dried fish. With a beating heart I made
inquiries of those of whom I bought these articles, but not a particle
of information could I obtain. At last I thought that people began to
look at me suspiciously, and that it would be more prudent to