st,' exclaimed Aneouta warmly; `for rather would I live among the wild
tribes of the Tartars in their rude tents than exposed to the fate from
which you have rescued me in this country.'

"I applauded her resolution--the same thought had been running in my own
mind. To escape, however, from the confines of Russia is a work not
easy of accomplishment. I will not detain you longer with an account of
our progress towards the Volga. We were not pursued, and we had reason
to fancy even that the Zingari were not suspected of carrying off
Aneouta. Probably the chief's trick succeeded, and she was supposed, in
a fit of despair, to have thrown herself into the river. At last the
time came that I must part from Aneouta. Sad as it may seem, I with
more confidence left her under charge of those wild, untutored children
of the desert, than I would with many who profess the tenets of
Christianity. I neither exacted nor received any oaths from the chief
and his people.

"`Your betrothed will be safe, as far as we have power to protect her,
while she remains under our tents; and I hope, my brother and my friend,
when you return, to deliver her to you with renewed strength and
spirits,' he said, taking my hand.

"All the tribe assembled to wish me farewell. I will not describe my
parting with Aneouta. Our mutual grief can better be imagined. While
journeying with the Zingari, I had retained their dress. I had now
again taken the stains from my face, and habited myself as a mujick. I
stood at length on the banks of the mighty Volga among a crowd of
travellers, waiting for the appearance of a steamer which was to touch
at that village. I had been travelling lately with so much ease and
freedom from care, that I forgot my present position. I was again in
danger. I might be asked for my pass. Not having one to show, I might
be stopped, and sent to prison. I had fastened my money about my body,
but I kept a few roubles ready at hand in case of necessity. There is
nothing like a bribe in Russia to alter a person's vision--black is made
white, and white black. I had never before seen a steamer. I was
struck with amazement when I beheld the astonishing sight. On it came,
gliding over the surface of the river, like a huge swan, without
apparent effort. When it drew nearer I saw that it had huge wheels
driving it along. I could scarcely contain my admiration; yet it would
not do to exhibit it, lest I should appear a novic