quarters are open to thee, and do as seemeth thee best. Come and bid me good-bye to-morrow, and now get thee to bed, for sleep also oppresses me."
I left Pougatcheff and emerged into the street. The night was still and frosty. The moon and stars shone brightly, illuminating the square and the gallows. All was quiet and dark within the fortress. In the public-house only were there lights, whence issued the shouts of lingering idlers. I looked up at the priest's house. The shutters were closed, everything appeared quiet there.
Entering my lodging, I found Savelitch bewailing my absence. The news of my having been set at liberty, rejoiced him greatly.
"God be praised!" said he, crossing himself. "We must leave the fortress as soon as it is day, and follow whither luck leads us. I have prepared some food for thee, my little father; thou must then go to bed and sleep till morning, safe as in Christ's bosom."
I followed his advice, and, having supped heartily, fell asleep on the naked floor, worn out morally and physically.
CHAPTER IX.
THE SEPARATION.
I was awakened at an early hour by the beat of the drum. I proceeded to the place of assembly. Pougatcheff's mob was already mustering in the vicinity of the
