The Arrest

I jumped up the steps--the sentinels had not time to stop me--and burst into the room where six hussar officers were playing faro. The Major kept the bank. I instantly recognized the Major as Ivan Zourine, who had so thoroughly emptied my purse at Simbirsk. "Is it possible? is this you Ivan Zourine?"

"Halloo! Peter; what luck? where are you from? will you take a chance?"

"Thanks; I would rather have some apartments assigned me."

"No need of apartments, stay with me."

"I can not; I am not alone."

"Bring your comrade with you."

"I am not with a comrade; I am with--a lady."

"A lady! where did you fish her out?" and he whistled in so rollicking a manner, that the rest burst out laughing.

"Well," said Zourine, "then you must have a house in the town. Here, boy! why do you not bring in Pougatcheff's friend?"

"What are you about," said I. "It is Captain Mironoff's daughter. I have just obtained her liberty, and I am taking her to my father's, where I shall leave her."

"In the name of Heaven, what are you talking about? Are you Pougatcheff's chum?"

"I will tell you everything later; first go and see this poor girl, whom your soldiers have horribly frightened."

Zourine went out into the street to excuse himself to Marie, and explain the mistake, and ordered the officer to place her and her maid in the best house in the city. I stayed with him. After supper, as soon as we were alone, I gave him the story of my adventures.