Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/233

told that General Kosciuszko had gone in a carriage to the Imperial palace, and had been admitted to the Emperor's presence, that my liberation had been decided upon, and that I should leave the prison immediately. Wednesday, nevertheless, passed, and nobody came to release me. Next night I became very uneasy, but I attributed these delays to the embarrassments and multiplicity of business of all the public officers, under the new reign, and whilst I was taking, as usual, my melancholy walks in the dark, I saw the Praporszczyk enter my cell. He immediately ordered the soldier to leave the room, and said: “As a proof of my attachment to you, I will entrust you with a secret of the greatest importance.” “What is it?” said I, with an astonished air. He bowed low. “Our immortal sovereign has deigned to die.” At this I scarcely refrained from bursting out into laughter, but soon feigning an exclamation of surprise: “Is it possible?” said I, “when? how?” “Several days ago, and after a short illness, but such was the will of St. Nicholas; we