take my
departure. Having come to this resolution, I went straight on, neither
looking to the right hand nor to the left, and endeavouring to appear as
unconcerned as possible. I had gone a little way when a person passed
me as if running to reach some object before me. He did not look at me,
but I heard him say, `Hasten on, brother. Tarry not to-night--you are
suspected, and may ere long be pursued.'

"`Thanks, thanks; may our brother be rewarded by Heaven,' I replied,
without looking at him or altering my pace. To this day I know not the
countenance of the man who gave me this timely warning. As soon as he
had gone on some way, I began to walk quicker than before; and darkness
having now concealed me from any loungers near the village, I hastened
on as fast as my feet could carry me. Young Vacia's horse would have
been truly welcome, still I dared not rest. Never had I travelled on so
rapidly. I had, indeed, two powerful motives to hurry my steps--fear of
capture, and a longing desire to see my parents and my betrothed. I
escaped the threatened danger. Suffice it to say that, after another
night passed on foot, I stood within half a verst of my father's door,
yet I dared not venture into the village by daylight. I had hoped to
reach it before dawn, but my weary feet refused to carry me along
faster. I could gain no information of those I loved. All my friends
whom I could trust had been removed. Many new inhabitants had been sent
to the place, and I was as a stranger on the spot where my childhood and
youth had been passed. I lay concealed all day in a sheltered nook on
the hill-side, which commanded a wide view in every direction, and would
enable me to retreat should any one approach. How can I paint the
anxiety of those hours, as I looked down on my native village, and
recognised my father's cottage, and every spot I knew so well? I tried
to discover any inhabitants moving about the door, but none came out
whom I could see all day. Evening drew on; the cows came lowing home to
be milked, the horses were driven forth to their pastures, and the field
labourers loitered in weary from their work. Many a hearth in the
village sent up its tiny wreath of smoke into the pure blue sky, but I
could see none ascending from my father's cottage. Forebodings of evil
tidings grew upon me. It was impossible longer to curb my anxiety. I
hastened down the hill, regardless of danger. No one observed me as I
h