“Warsaw had that day fallen; the hopes of liberty had perished; Poland was conquered; the emperor was master over the lives and fortunes of the people, and too well did we know his cruel nature to have any other hope than that of the gallows, the dungeon, or Siberia. “I told these things to the princess. She heard me, and said she would share my fate. While we were speaking, a close carriage and six horses came near. It was night, but the moon was shining brightly. I perceived it to be the carriage of Nicholas, the emperor; but at the moment I recognised it, it was set upon by four men on horseback, who rushed out of an adjacent thicket. They were heavily armed, and, discharging their pistols, killed the postillion and one of the guard. There were but three of the emperor’s men left, and these would have been quickly despatched, had I not dashed in, with my two attendants, to the rescue. One of the robbers was killed, and the others fled. “Though Nicholas is harsh, he is no coward. He had just leaped from the carriage, when the ruffians had escaped. He was perfectly cool, and, turning to me, surveyed me for an instant. He had often seen me at court, and I think he recognised me. ‘To whom do I owe my safety?’ said he. ‘To a rebel!’ said I; and we parted. “The carriage passed on. The princess had witnessed the whole scene, though she had not been observed by the emperor’s party. I returned to her. She seemed to have changed her mind, and begged me to see her conducted to the emperor’s camp. ‘You are now safe,’ said she. ‘You have saved the Czar’s life, and that insures you his forgiveness--his gratitude. I know him well. In matters of government he is severe; but in all personal things he is noble and generous. I will plead your cause, and I know I shall prevail. Your life, your fortune, your honor, are secure.’ “I adopted her views, though with much anxiety. I conducted her near to the Russian camp, and she was then taken in safety to the Czar’s tent. Soon after, she went to St. Petersburgh, since which I have heard nothing of her. The judgment of the enraged emperor fell like a thunderbolt upon the insurgents of Poland. The blood of thousands was shed upon the scaffold. Thousands were shut up in dungeons, never more to see the light or breathe the air of heaven. Thousands more were banished to Siberia, and myself among the number. The emperor’s hard heart knew no mercy. Here I am, and here, alone, am I resolved to die.”