time to this, a period of ten years, we have wandered through pathless deserts; pressed with hunger, we have often done those things which did not become soldiers! But in a day or two this unfeeling tyrant, and his haughty courtiers, shall fall beneath the edge of our swords. Young man, we loved your father; he was our leader; we now call on you with one voice to fill his place; it is in your power to render yourself worthy of our choice,"

Osakoi felt, under these circumstances, that the only alternative was to accept of the choice; and that the least appearance of dismay would be the signal of instant death: he therefore put on every appearance of courage and unshaken resolution.

It was agreed by the conspirators on parting, that they should assemble the night following, in the same place, and at the same hour. Osa- koi and the slave set out to return to the inn by different roads.

Osakoi had scarce walked thirty paces, when he found himself by the side of a Russian, who begged of him to follow him. As he took him to be one of the conspirators, he assented. Having arrived at the foot of a narrow staircase, they ascended, and entered a little room: the Russian shut the door.

Don't be surprised," said the Russian, "at

what I am going to say; it requires the greatest secrecy. I have just come from the meeting, as well as you, where the death of the Czar was resolved on. It was the first time that I was admitted into that assembly as well as yourself, and, like you, the spirit of revenge has rendered me the irreconcilable enemy of my sovereign.. But, if his blood is due to the cruelties with which he is charged, our companions will do us little honour. For, in short, who are these conspirators? Guilty subjects, covered with crimes, who have fled from justice! a vile crew, that breathe nothing but murder, pillage, and theft. And who are their accomplices? The first persons in the state; but they did not venture to name any one of them. They could not; for what man of worth or honour would contaminate himself with such a gang? And what plot have they developed to ensure success? for whom are we to risk our lives? Of the projects, means of execution, resources, &c. nothing is known. Do they wish that we should be the blind instruments of such an enterprise? I have now, young Osakoi, stated my doubts and my fears respecting that meeting. The conspirators have named you their chief; I subscribe to the choice; but I wish to be informed on these points, and then you may repose on my arm." A heart solely formed by nature, which chance had

"You

had thrown at a distance from the intrigues of the city and the poison of a court, is little susceptible of treason: such a heart can little suppose that any one would endeavour to deceive it. Osakoi was struck with the openness of the Russian, and that openness induced him to unbosom himself with the same frankness. may have noticed my surprise," said he, on seeing myself in the midst of such an assembly, Satisfied with my lot, I was contented with my humble cottage; a stranger to ambition, I'neither looked for nor desired any thing beyond it. A person endeavoured to call forth the tears of filial affection in my eyes; he told me, that I ought to revenge the blood of my father; and, in order to revenge it, I ought to murder my sovereign. But have I known that father? am I certain that he was innocent? and in this" doubt, am I to spill the blood of my master? I freely confess that this proposition is repugnant to my nature. For who am I to judge my emperor? What right or what authority has Heaven given me to punish him? The proposition froze the blood in my veins, but the fear of death sealed my lips, as the words expired on them. Since you have opened your heart, read what passes in minc. I detest the crime, and particularly a crime of so black a dye. A secret voice cries within me, Love and respect your sove

reign! Pity my youth, I commit myself to your counfel; snatch me from those barbarians, who singled me out as the executioner of their master and of mine! for if it is decreed, that I should either perish, or that I should attempt the life of the Czar, I prefer to die innocent."

"You shall not perish, my son," cried the Russian; it is the Czar himself that speaks to you, and who will not fail to reward the noble frankness of your sentiments."

I

It was undoubtedly the monarch himself, who, under the disguise of a slave, had heard part of the plot in the inn, which led him to mix in the assembly in which his fate was to be determined, He had marked the timidity and confusion of Osakoi in the answers which he gave in that meeting, and promised in his mind to save him, if he did not find him absolutely culpable.

Those who may be led at first view to look on this as a romance, should recollect, that the life of Peter the Great was filled with events of this kind.

This prince, born to be the creator of his country, and who wished to see every thing with his own eyes, used often to disguise, and introduce himself into those public assemblies, in which drunkenness and debauch rendered the tongue incapable of concealing a secret; and it was by this conduct, dangerous as it was, that he discovered

discovered upwards of twenty plots which had been formed against his life; so that the people, who at once feared and respected him, used to say in their merry meetings, Come, let us be honest; the Emperor hears us.

Having loaded Osakoi with thanks and caresses, he desired him to join his companion in the inn, and that he might say in excuse for his delay, that he was unacquainted with the streets of Moscow.

1

The slave was satisfied with the excuse, and, at the appointed time the next night, Osakoi went to the meeting. It was there agreed on, that the palace should be set on fire, and that in the confusion, whilst part of them should be engaged in pillage, the rest, led on by Osakoi, should join the conspirators in the castle, who would advance towards the apartments of the Emperor, who, in the moment of his appearance, was to be assassinated. They then began to administer the oath, by which they were to bind themselves to each other, when the imperial guards rushed in like a thunderbolt. They were arrested, conveyed to prison, and executed the next day. Osakoi was amply rewarded by the Emperor, and lived many years afterwards in the sunshine of his favour.

LETTER