'Count Boutkine,' said I, 'I find myself in a most difficult position.'
'And why?' he asked.
'Because I have promised you your life.'
His jaw dropped a little.
'You would not withdraw your promise?' he cried.
'If the worst comes to the worst I can die in your defence,' said I; 'but the difficulties are great.'
'What is it, then?' he asked.
'I will be frank with you,' said I. 'You must know that our fellows, and especially the Poles, are so incensed against the Cossacks that the mere sight of the uniform drives them mad. They precipitate themselves instantly upon the wearer and tear him limb from limb. Even their officers cannot restrain them.'
The Russian grew pale at my words and the way in which I said them.
'But this is terrible,' said he.
'Horrible!' said I. 'If we were to go
