sks of offending against the laws of the country
which Russians in your position might do, while you will be conferring a
great blessing, not only on me, but on my aged parents, and on my
betrothed, and you may be the means of bringing, happiness to a whole
family."

"Tell him that we are all deeply interested in his history, and that we
believe it to be perfectly true," said Cousin Giles, as soon as Mr
Allwick had ceased translating; "but that I do not see how we can assist
him, as he proposes, while I certainly cannot suppose that we can in any
way enable him to get access to the Emperor."

"I hope that you will allow me to plead for him myself," returned Mr
Allwick. "I knew his parents. I have been to their village, and he
himself is not a stranger to me. He recognised me this morning in the
crowd, and that induced him to pay us this visit. The truth is, I have
seen much of the Molokani. A more inoffensive, earnest, religious
people do not exist. When travelling in the south of Russia with a
gentleman, to whom I was attached as secretary, we have had thirty of
them dining with us at once, and, though peasants of the humblest class,
they have invariably behaved like gentlemen. Their Christianity has
taught them not only to be kind and courteous to each other, but to put
aside all dirty habits and customs, and I am certain that no persons in
the most polished society would have acted in a more refined manner than
they did."

"If that is the case, and you are willing to be responsible for your
friend, I, for my part, shall be happy to run any risk which may arise
from our connection with him, and will most gladly give him every
assistance in my power. He is a fine fellow, of whom any nation might
be proud. Tell him that we wish him every success, and will help him as
far as we can. What say you, Mr Evergreen; do you agree with me?"
asked Cousin Giles.

"Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr Evergreen, with his usual bland
smile, "whatever you think right I think right also; so, Mr Allwick,
tell him from me, that I will give him a helping hand whenever I can;
and if we can get back his old father and mother from Siberia, or rather
from their way there, we will see what can be done for them."

The stranger, as soon as Mr Allwick had told him what had been said,
warmly pressed the hands of the Englishmen, and placed them on his
heart, to show the depth of his gratitude. Mr Allwick assured them
that he was