A change, however, had come over him, for though active and intelligent as ever, he was no longer the gay light hearted being, he had at first appeared. It was in vain, that Ivan endeavoured to discover the cause: Javis would start at times, and walk on muttering to himself, as if some important subject occupied his thoughts: his laugh was hollow, and his smile forced and painful. Young Conrin often turned an inquiring glance towards him, but seemed also equally puzzled to account for the alteration. He too had won much upon Ivan's regard, by his gentle and unassuming behaviour, and by his evident desire to please his self-constituted masters. It was with much regret, therefore, on the morning of their departure, and while Javis had gone out to make some necessary purchases for their journey, that Ivan called the boy to him, to bid him farewell. "We must now part, Conrin. Believe me that I do so with regret; but we return not to the place whence we came, while you must go back to your parents and friends. Here, take this small sum of money, it is all I can spare, but you may require it on your journey." While he spoke, the tears fell fast from the boy's eyes. "Alas! why are you so ready to dismiss me from your company, Sir?" he said, putting aside the money. "Have I done aught to offend you? I have no home--no friends to return to--I have quitted all, and for ever! Oh, let me accompany you then as your servant, and I will serve you faithfully and truly." "But we go far from hence, boy," said Ivan; "and perchance, you might never again see your own native Russia." "It matters not, Sir, to what part of the country, or to what part of the world you go. Whither you go, there I will follow you. But in pity, dismiss not an orphan child, who claims your protection." Seeing that Ivan still seemed to hesitate, he added, "Think not that I am a serf, escaping from bondage: no, I am free-born, and free alone will I live; for no proud master shall ever claim me as his slave." The boy's eyes flashed with a look of proud independence as he spoke. "But, young Conrin," answered Ivan, "I am as you see, but a poor old man, without the means of supporting you, or of giving you employment fit for your youth." "I seek not the wages of a servant," answered Conrin; "perchance too, I may find the opportunity of serving you. Try me, at least, and if I prove useless, you can but dismiss me at last." "But suppose, that though we are old men, we may lead you into far and strange countries, where you may be exposed to hardships, under which your tender years may sink? You will then repent that you followed us," said Ivan. "I fear no danger that you can lead me into," answered the boy; "and am too well accustomed to hardships to sink under them. Besides, I am older than I appear, and understand full well the task I undertake."