Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/111

our Major with the most outrageous epithets. “O! if I had her here,” said he, raising his terrible whip, “how I would lash her how I would lash her!” And saying this, he whipped the ground with all his force, as if he were punishing his unfaithful belle. Udom then took him aside, and spoke a long time with him, after which the Major seemed to be confused and thoughtful. Udom, as we afterwards learnt, had informed him that, in the inns and post-houses which we had passed, he heard only complaints of him, and saw only people whom he had abused or beaten, and that, in consequence of this, instead of being rewarded at St. Petersburg, as he was expecting, he might endure the most severe punishment. He told him also that the governments through which we were to pass, were different from others, being under Romanzow and Repnin, two men known for their integrity and justice, and if he did not restrain his passion for beating every body, he might bring upon himself great misfortune. “Who knows,” added Udom, “if at