ut especially those
that have life--the beasts of the field and the birds of the air; these
you must observe in their native haunts, with their habits and modes of
existence. You will keep a journal of all facts and events that may be
worth noting down, and write out in detail such adventures as may occur
to you upon your route, and you think may prove interesting to me to
read on your return. I shall provide you with ample means to accomplish
your journey; but no money is to be wasted by idly sojourning in large
cities: it must be used only for the necessary expenses of your travels.
The emperor has been kind enough to give you a circular letter, which
will get you funds and such other assistance as you may require from his
agents in all parts of the world."

"We promise, dear father, strictly to adhere to your instructions. But
whither do you desire us to go?" Alexis asked the question.

The baron paused for some time before making reply. Then, drawing from
his desk a sealed paper, which showed signs of having been but recently
folded, he gravely said as he held it towards them--

"In this document you will find the conditions upon which I give you
permission to travel. I do not ask you to agree to them, until you have
carefully examined and reflected upon them. You will therefore retire
to your room, read this document over, and, having given its contents
due consideration, return, and signify whether you accept the terms; for
if not, there is to be no travelling."

"_By the Great Peter_!" whispered Ivan to Alexis, "they will be hard
indeed if we don't accept them."

Alexis took the paper, and both, bowing to their father, retired to
their own apartment.

The seal was immediately broken and not without some surprise did they
peruse the contents of the document. It was in the form of an epistle,
and ran thus:--

"My sons Alexis and Ivan!--You have expressed a desire to travel, and
have requested me to give you my permission. I accede to your request,
but only upon the following conditions: You must procure for me a skin
of every variety of bear known upon the earth. I do not mean such
varieties as are termed `accidental,' arising from albinism or like
circumstances, but every species or variety known to naturalists and
acknowledged as `permanent.' The bears from which these skins are to be
taken must be killed in their native haunts, and by your own hands--with
no other assistance than that of an at