out of the wood and `tare forty and two' of the mockers of the
prophet Elisha. We shall have to visit Syria, to procure a skin of the
_ursus syriacus_."

"Well, I hope their ferociousness has been tamed down since Elisha's
time, else we may stand a fair chance of being served in a similar
fashion."

"No doubt we shall have many a scratch before we encounter the bears of
Mount Lebanon. When we have obtained a robe from one of them, there
will be nothing more for us to do but take the most direct route home.
We shall then have gone _once round the world_."

"Ah, that we shall!" said Ivan, laughing; "and all over it too. Great
Czar! I think by the time we have captured one of Elisha's bears, we
shall have had a surfeit of travel."

"No doubt of it; but now, brother, that we know where we are going, let
us waste no more time, but signify our acceptance of the conditions, and
be off at once."

"Agreed," said Ivan; and both returning into the presence of the baron,
announced their readiness to take the road.

"Are we to travel alone, papa?" inquired Ivan; "I think you spoke of an
attendant?"

"Yes, one attendant. You must not be encumbered with too many servants
to wait upon you. One will be quite sufficient."

"Who is it to be?" asked Ivan.

The baron rang the bell, and a servant entered.

"Send Corporal Pouchskin to me!"

Shortly after, the door reopened, and a man of about fifty appeared.
The tall well-balanced form and erect attitude--the close-cropped hair
and enormous grizzled moustache--combined with great gravity of
features, denoted a veteran of the Imperial Guard,--one of those grand
and redoubtable soldiers who have seen service in the presence of an
emperor. Though no longer wearing the military uniform, but dressed
somewhat as a park or game keeper, the silent salute and attitude of
"attention" were sufficiently indicative of the profession which
Pouchskin had followed: for it was the veritable Pouchskin who had
entered the apartment. He said not a word, nor did he look either to
the right or left,--only directly forward, and at the baron.

"Corporal Pouchskin!"

"General!"

"I wish you to make a journey."

"I am ready."

"Not quite, corporal. I will give you an hour to prepare."

"Where does the general wish me to go?"

"Round the world."

"Half an hour will suffice."

"So much the better, then. Prepare to start in half an hour."

Pouchskin bowed and retired.

CHAPTER