The words “It is the emperor’s will” had the most disheartening effect upon the poor people. The haggard, wretchedly-clad assemblage gave way to despair, but a low murmur was all that was heard. Rasumowski looked triumphantly at his guests, as if he had said in so many words: “You see what the will of the emperor can do!” But the professor was not to be deceived. The suppressed wrath plainly visible in the faces of the men did not escape him. A young man rose humbly from his knees, and looked with strangely glittering eyes upon the governor. “It is not true!—the emperor does not, cannot wish us to suffer!” he exclaimed. Rasumowski looked with astonishment at the bold youth. “How do you know that it is not the will of the emperor?” he asked. “The emperor is human, but what you command is inhuman!” answered the intrepid peasant. The Russian governor absolutely trembled with anger. “Fifteen lashes with the pleti—give it to him soundly!” he cried, and walked towards the carriage, which drove slowly through the village. Adolph von Sempach sat depressed and silent. What he had seen and heard did not tend to elevate the character of the beautiful Alexandra in his estimation, as her remarks concerning the cruelties upon the unfortunate Poles seemed to prove that she had inherited the barbarous disposition of her father. “Do you hear the screams of the insolent fellow?” said the governor. “The pleti is unfortunately a poor affair—it has not sufficient swing and force. The old knout was much better; for it was made of strong leather straps, intertwined with wire. The Emperor Nicholas I. introduced this new knout, however—and whatever the czar does, is well done; but if I were consulted, I would bring the old knout again into use.” “I fear, governor,” said Beck “that even the new knout or the pleti would meet with invincible opposition in Germany.” “You are mistaken,” answered the Russian. “The Germans can also be subdued—the German neck must bow to him who has the power. Now, gentlemen, I will show you some evidences of the industry of our farmers,” he continued, when the carriage had left the village. “Look at our abundant crops! The German farmer can hardly excel the Russian. You find everywhere signs of prudent husbandry as well as of diligence and perseverance.” Herr Schulze gave a token of assent, the professor knew nothing about agriculture, and Von Sempach preserved a gloomy silence. “Do you see that village?” said Rasumowski, pointing in a certain direction. “All the inhabitants are Roman Catholics, with the exception of the mayor, of course; but for ten years they have been without a priest, without divine service, without a church.” “I think I see a church,” remarked Beck.