lount and Jolivet, on the contrary, recognized him at once, and the
latter said in a low voice, "Hullo! It seems that Colonel Ogareff and
the rude personage of Ichim are one!" Then he added in his companion's
ear, "Explain our affair, Blount. You will do me a service. This Russian
colonel in the midst of a Tartar camp disgusts me; and although, thanks
to him, my head is still on my shoulders, my eyes would exhibit my
feelings were I to attempt to look him in the face."

So saying, Alcide Jolivet assumed a look of complete and haughty
indifference.

Whether or not Ivan Ogareff perceived that the prisoner's attitude
was insulting towards him, he did not let it appear. "Who are you,
gentlemen?" he asked in Russian, in a cold tone, but free from its usual
rudeness.

"Two correspondents of English and French newspapers," replied Blount
laconically.

"You have, doubtless, papers which will establish your identity?"

"Here are letters which accredit us in Russia, from the English and
French chancellor's office."

Ivan Ogareff took the letters which Blount held out, and read them
attentively. "You ask," said he, "authorization to follow our military
operations in Siberia?"

"We ask to be free, that is all," answered the English correspondent
dryly.

"You are so, gentlemen," answered Ogareff; "I am curious to read your
articles in the Daily Telegraph."

"Sir," replied Blount, with the most imperturbable coolness, "it is
sixpence a number, including postage." And thereupon he returned to his
companion, who appeared to approve completely of his replies.

Ivan Ogareff, without frowning, mounted his horse, and going to the head
of his escort, soon disappeared in a cloud of dust.

"Well, Jolivet, what do you think of Colonel Ivan Ogareff,
general-in-chief of the Tartar troops?" asked Blount.

"I think, my dear friend," replied Alcide, smiling, "that the
housch-begui made a very graceful gesture when he gave the order for our
heads to be cut off."

Whatever was the motive which led Ogareff to act thus in regard to the
two correspondents, they were free and could rove at their pleasure
over the scene of war. Their intention was not to leave it. The sort of
antipathy which formerly they had entertained for each other had
given place to a sincere friendship. Circumstances having brought them
together, they no longer thought of separating. The petty questions of
rivalry were forever extinguished. Harry Blount could never