The Circassian Chief: A Romance of Russia
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whomyou had previously known; she beckoned to you, and you followed her.You recollect the words she uttered--`The day of the regeneration ofRussia is at hand.' Nay, start not, no one overheard you: she was butperforming a commission for others of power and of influence--a task shegladly undertook. You have been marked by them as one fit to assist inthe noble cause in which they are engaged. Azila, the Gipsy girl, isone of the chief means of communication with our friends in all parts ofthe country; she has guaranteed your honour and fidelity."
"What aid can I afford to the cause of freedom?" inquired Ivan, "when Iam myself utterly powerless; opposed as you must know the BaronGaletzoff to be to any measures calculated to give liberty to thepeople."
"We well know that the son has far different opinions to thoseentertained by his father; we are also well aware that the Baron is astaunch upholder of despotism; but, need I ask--is it incumbent on theson to adhere to the despotic principles of his parent? No!--I feelconfident that you at least, will not."
The stranger, as he spoke, had intently watched Ivan's countenance, andappearing to gather confidence, continued--
"That you will ultimately join us, I anticipate with satisfaction;meanwhile, however, come and hear our plans. These I dare not utterwithin these walls, for even they may have ears and a voice to carry thetale; but, would you know more, I will conduct you where all will bedisclosed. Will you accompany me?"
"I must deeply consider the matter, ere I answer you; but tell me," saidIvan, "where I can meet you, should I consent."
"On the banks of the Moskowa, beneath the walls of the Kremlin, is asecluded walk, which is entered from the public gardens--you doubtlessknow it; there we may escape observation; our converse secure from thelurking spy. At dusk this evening--may I reckon upon your coming?"
A few minutes succeeded, during which Ivan appeared wrapped in thought.At length, he answered firmly--
"I will meet you at the spot and hour you name, and, though I do notengage to enter into your views, I swear that your confidence in meshall not be abused."
His visitor smiled, and replied: "With you, fear has doubtless littleinfluence; but there are some who require that motive for secrecy; andimagine not that a thought of treachery can be harboured, withoutdrawing down instant retribution. At dusk we meet again, adieu!"
Ivan ushered the stranger to the door, the latter, passing out into thestreet, assumed the easy and careless air of the numerous loungersthronging around him.
How little can the passenger through the crowded streets tell of thevaried thoughts, feelings, and passions, which fill the breasts of thosewho encounter him! The grief and agony; despair and hatred; theavarice, love, or beneficence, the joy, or careless indifference of thewayfarers; the man whose dearest tie has been torn from him; the ruinedgamester; the assassin, advancing to his work of blood, the miser to hishoards; the father to his offspring; the lover to his mistress; theSamaritan, hastening to relieve the distressed; the long-absenttraveller, to his home; the fop, the fool, or the wise man; everycharacter is passed in succession each instant, unheeded and unknown.
Volume 1, Chapter IX.
Ivan, once having resolved to follow the guidance of his new friend,looked forward with eagerness to the approach of evening; and, ere thetime had arrived, throwing his cloak about him, he sauntered forth inthe direction of the Kremlin.
This venerable pile, regarded by the inhabitants of Moscow as theheart--the sacred place--the tabernacle, as it were, of their city, wasanciently a fortress of the rude and fierce Tartars; and indeed, at thatperiod, the whole of the city was contained within its walls. It standson a commanding site by the banks of the Moskwa, whose waters wash itsbase, surrounded by high and ancient walls of a triangular form, nearlytwo miles in extent. Its area encloses numerous cathedrals, gorgeouspalaces, churches and monasteries; surmounted by towers, belfries, andsteeples; displaying every variety of architecture, including theTartar, Hindoo, Chinese, and Gothic. Above all this vast pile rises thelofty tower of Ivan Veliki, its golden ball now reflecting the rays ofthe setting sun with dazzling brilliancy; the whole forming a strangemixture of barbaric splendour, blended with the stately elegance ofmodern times.
There are no regular streets within the Kremlin, the buildings beingraised around several open places or squares, to which the inhabitantsresort for walking or driving.
The walls, which are surmounted by battlements and watch-towers, havefive gates, the principal of which is the "Saviour's" or "Holy Gate."Through this awe-commanding portal no male, not even the Czar andAutocrat of all the Russias, may pass, save with uncovered head andbended body.
Through this gate, Ivan now proceeded bareheaded, and entered a nobleesplanade, commanding one of the most interesting views of Moscow,having in front the range of the palaces of the Czars, with their variedand fanciful style of architecture. He paced its extent for some time,meditating on the important affairs which he was likely to be suddenly,and as he could not but admit to himself, rashly engaged in.
As the shades of evening began to close around him, he left the Kremlinby one of the less remarkable gates, and sought the appointed place ofrendezvous.
After traversing the walk several times, he began to suspect that hemust have mistaken the time and place, as no one appeared; or that hisnew friend had been prevented from keeping the appointment by someunforeseen circumstance. He accordingly determined to return to thehotel, when suddenly, as if springing from the earth, a dark figurestood before him, so closely muffled as to baffle recognition. Ivanrecoiled a few paces, so unexpectedly did the figure come upon him; and,as his mind recurred to Azila's warnings respecting the secret revengeof the Count Erintoff, the idea of treachery presented itself, and hishand clutched the pistols concealed within his breast. Thus prepared,he confronted the stranger, friend or foe as he might prove to be.
"Why come you here?" demanded the figure, in a voice unknown to Ivan'sear.
"In search of him who appointed a meeting with me here," answered theyoung man. "Know you aught of him?"
"Behold him before you," said the visitor of the morning, steppingforward, and speaking in a tone which the other immediately knew.
"It is well," replied Ivan. "Your feigned voice at first deceived me.But how came you so suddenly upon me?"
"All, you were taken unawares," said the other. "You then did notobserve my skiff, as I guided it noiselessly under the bank, and landedwhen you had turned the other way while I closely watched you. Itbehoves all of us, in these times, who seek success in bold enterprises,to be wary in our movements. But we have no time to lose; and now tothe matter on which we have met."
"Speak on," said Ivan. "I am prepared to hear, and shall not forget mypromise."
"Listen then," said the other. "Ivan Galetzoff, you are far betterknown than you are aware of. Since you came to Moscow you have beenconstantly followed, and your words marked. Many, of whom you aretotally ignorant, know you, and admire your principles; and further,have selected you as fit to engage in noble and daring deeds."
"You surprise me!" exclaimed Ivan, yielding to flattery, so difficultfor youth to resist when administered to the very points on which heprobably prides himself; "I did not deem myself of sufficient importanceto have notice taken of my words and actions."
"I speak but the truth respecting you," answered his companion. "Say,do you not abhor despotism and tyranny? Do you not cherish the love offreedom, and the happiness of your fellow-creatures?"
"I both detest tyranny and love freedom," answered Ivan; "but whatservice can my single arm afford, either to overthrow the one, or todefend the other?"
"Much," hastily responded the stranger. "You do not stand alone. Yourprinciples are supported by thousands of spirits, noble as your own.The sacred cause of liberty must, and will be triumphant over all herbase opponents."
"I fear that our chains are too securely rivetted, to be wrenchedasunder," answered Ivan, "and too many are interested in forging freshlinks to leave us hope o
f freeing ourselves, even at the sacrifice ofour heart's blood."
"You labour under a false impression, my young friend," answered hiscompanion; "for all classes join heart and soul in this glorious work.Indeed, the Despot has no greater enemies than many among the highest inthe land, who feel their chains more galling than do the humble serfs;again I ask you, do you not wish success to their gallant spiritsengaged in the noble attempt?"
"Most earnestly do I hope they may succeed," said Ivan.
"Enough," answered the conspirator, for such he declared himself, "Ineed test you no more; for I place implicit confidence in you. Thisevening, the advocates of Russian Liberty hold a meeting, and, as Ianticipate that ere long you will