sure they were acting generously and rightly in thus
affording the stranger their protection. So it was arranged that he was
to return in the morning in his mujick costume, and be regularly engaged
publicly to act as their servant.

They proposed remaining another day in Nishni, and then making a tour
through the country, before returning to Moscow for the coronation.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

Cousin Giles meets an old Friend--Excursion into the Interior--Fine
View on the Volga--Scenes on the Road--The Count's Estate--Welcomed
with Bread and Salt--The Count's old-fashioned Mansion--A Fishing
Excursion--Winter in Russia--Russian Stoves--Modes of keeping out
Cold--Mode of Dressing in Winter--Result of a Snowless Winter.

"I know that man, I am certain," exclaimed Cousin Giles, as the
travellers were on their way from their hotel to the busy part of the
fair. Just before them was a tall, gentlemanly-looking man, dressed in
a shooting-jacket, with a stout stick in his hand, and walking along
with that free and independent air which generally distinguishes a
seaman. "Hallo, old ship! Where are you bound to? Heave-to till I can
come up with you, will you?" sung out Cousin Giles, in a loud, jovial
voice, which instantly made the person who has been described turn his
head. His countenance brightened as he did so, and with extended hands
he came back, and heartily shook those of our friend.

"Well, Fairman, I am delighted to see you," he exclaimed heartily, "I am
indeed; but what has brought you to this part of the world?"

"The love of travel, and the pleasure of showing a small portion of the
globe we inhabit to these young lads," answered Cousin Giles. "But I
assure you, Ivanovitch, I am equally delighted to meet you, though I
should little have expected to find you acting the part of a country
gentleman when last we parted on the deck of the _Asia_."

"I have been through a good deal since then, but we will talk of that
another time," answered the Russian in English, without the slightest
foreign accent. "Well, we have met most opportunely. I stopped a day
at this place to see the humours of the fair, on my way to take
possession of an estate which has lately been left me, and if I can
induce you to accompany me, it will indeed be a satisfaction."

"The very thing I should like; and as I know you are sincere, I will
accept your invitation; but I have several companions, and I fear we
shall crowd you