my document--life and death depends on it.
Grant my petition!' The Czar cast a look of surprise at the audacious
mujick, and, without saying a word, handed the paper to an officer near
him. But the result of all his toils, his sufferings, his anxieties--
ah, you will ask, what is that?--we cannot tell. The Count has done his
utmost to forward his object. His parents are still on their way to
Siberia, if they have survived the hardships they have endured. His
betrothed is still among the gipsies, and may any day be dragged back to
slavery. The poor fellow remains with us, and is unmolested, but he is
in low spirits, and hopeless of success. Still, he says that he would
gladly go through far greater hardships and troubles than he has endured
for the sake of the faith to which he holds. Cousin Giles would have
taken him with us to England, but he will not quit the country which
holds his betrothed, nor give up all prospects of rescuing his parents.

"I must, however, try to give you an idea of what took place during the
coronation festival. The next thing which took place was a grand parade
of all the troops in the camp, now increased to one hundred and twenty
thousand men. Some of the cavalry had a fine appearance, dressed in
Oriental costume. There were Circassians, or rather Lesghians, and
other tribes bordering on the Caucasus--some in chain armour, others in
white robes. There were Greeks and Albanians in their national costume,
ferocious Koords, and terrier-looking Cossacks, with long lances, on
shaggy little ponies, looking as if they would bite any one who came in
their way. All the great people were there. The finest thing was a
charge of twelve thousand dragoons, who literally made the ground
tremble under them. They afterwards galloped up to the Emperor, and,
drawing their swords simultaneously, with loud shouts, exclaimed--`We
wish your health, Czar!' and then, wheeling round, dashed off at full
speed.

"I must next tell you about the coronation itself. It took place in the
Church of the Assumption, before which a large court had been formed by
railing in several other churches, and covering them with galleries.
These were filled with all the great people of the nation and their
visitors. The arched roof of the church is supported by four massive
pillars, covered with gold; under them sat the Emperor and Empress,
surrounded by their Court. The Emperor took the crown, an immense one,
blazing