it him to think of new enterprises of any importance before the
return of spring. While waiting, the peaceful submission of two princes
of the Vogulitches, Ichberdei and Suklem, served soon to expand the
possessions of the Cossacks. The first had his domains beyond the marsh
of Eskalbin, on the banks of the Kuda or the Tavda. The second lived in
the vicinity of Tobolsk. Both voluntarily offered to pay the _yassak_,
or tribute in sable-skins, and took the oath of allegiance to Russia.
Ichberdei was able to secure the special friendship of the Cossacks, to
whom he gave his services as counsellor and guide in the unknown places.

So the affairs of internal administration, the collecting of tribute,
hunting and fishing, the returns from which were indispensable in a
country without architecture, occupied Iermak until the month of April.
Then a mirza informed him that the bold Mahmetkul had again approached
the Irtysh and encamped near Vagai with a small band. The occasion was
favorable; but in order to exterminate this indefatigable enemy, secrecy
and celerity were more necessary than force. Consequently the Cossack
leaders, having chosen sixty of their braves, furtively approached the
camp of the Tartars, cut the throats of many in their sleep, took
Mahmetkul prisoner, and led him in triumph to Isker. This capture caused
Iermak great joy, for he was rid of an enemy full of audacity and
courage, whom he might consider as an important hostage in his relations
with the fugitive Kutchum. Although Mahmetkul was covered with the blood
of Iermak's brothers-in-arms, the latter, abjuring all idea of personal
vengeance, treated him with flattering consideration, while yet holding
him under close watch. As Iermak already had his spies in the distant
sections of Isker, he learned that Kutchum, struck with the reverses of
Mahmetkul, was wandering in the deserts beyond the Ischim. This usurper
was about to be attacked by Seidek--son of Bekbulat, Prince of Siberia,
one of his victims--who was marching against him with numerous bands of
Usbeks. Upon another side he found himself weakened by the defection of
the mirza Karatcha, who, abandoning him in his misfortune, had drawn
away a great part of his troops, and was getting ready to encamp in the
country of Lym, near a large lake, above the junction of the Tara with
the Irtysh. The news was of the nature to cause a lively satisfaction to
the leader of the Cossacks, whose new enterprises were