Page:Thirty-five years in the East.djvu/116

From Orenburg I continued my journey by post over Kazan to Nishni-Nowgorod, and I arrived, without any material accidents, at the latter city. It was just the time of the fair, to which people from the nearest and remotest countries were flocking, to purchase and sell their merchandise. Provided as I was with cash, I lent a willing ear to some friends, who, from their local knowledge, advised me not to take ready money with me, but to buy sable skins. They gave me this advice, as sables would not increase the bulk of my luggage like other merchandise, and added that the skins could be disposed of with considerable profit. For that purpose, I called on one of the principal houses which dealt in sable skins, where I had the opportunity of making the personal acquaintance of the governor of the place, whom met by accident. I made a bargain ia his presence, the merchant engaging to be content with a profit of ten per cent. This induced me to purchase to a considerable amount, which I immediately paid, after having received the goods. During these transactions, the governor asked my interpreter who I was, whence I came, and whither I was going. Having got satisfactory information, and having learned at the same time that I was in possession of a beautiful horse of the finest breed, be requested me to show it to him when it arrived. When I left the merchant, my interpreter told me that the sable-dealer wished that none should be acquainted with our arrangements, and that he would send me, the following morning, a man who knew well how the skins ought to be packed. This circumstance created in my mind a suspicion of his dishonesty. To ascertain the fact, I went early on the following morning to a merchant whom I knew, and communicated to him my impression. After having examined the skins, he declared there was not a doubt about my having been cheated by the dealer, and he himself offered to supply me with the same quality of article for half the price which I had paid. He advised me to go instantly to the merchant, and propose to him either to add a portion more of sabies, or that I would make him a present of the ten