"Heaven be praised," he cried, falling on his knees, "that misery has been spared me. The rest will be easy to bear." And with a serene countenance he prepared to meet whatever might follow. Count Erintoff soon after made his appearance; he was received by Thaddeus with the most haughty coldness. "I come to learn," said the Count, "whether you have thought better of the Governor's propositions, and are prepared to accede to them, or meet the fate you deserve." "Were I tied to the stake, I would spurn the vile offer, as I do now," replied the prisoner. "I have no more to say." "If such is your answer, expect no mercy," replied the Count fiercely, and he quitted the prison, greatly to the occupant's relief. Thaddeus was left for some hours to his meditations, when, his prison doors opening, a file of soldiers appeared to conduct him before the Court Martial assembled to try him. "I fear that it will go hard with you, Stanisloff," said the officer in charge of the men, casting a look of pity on the prisoner. "You must be prepared for the worst." "Fear not for me, my friend," answered Thaddeus; "but I trust that neither you nor my brother officers will judge me harshly, though I am fully convinced of the result of my trial." "Think not that your character will suffer," answered the other. "We all feel a warm interest in your fate." "That is already settled," said the prisoner. "I am ready to accompany you." When placed before the principal officers of the garrison, his trial proceeded as was to be expected, when the Governor had determined on his condemnation. He was clearly convicted of having left the post he had been placed to guard, by his own colonel as witness; but when there was some demur as to his having communicated with the enemy, two servants of Count Erintoff's stepped forward, and swore positively to having seen him speaking to one of the chiefs of the Circassians, and having overheard him promise to give them timely notice of any movement among the Russians. Though great doubt was thrown on the credibility of the men, who were known to be bad characters, yet as their own Colonel swore to their honesty, they were received as witnesses. Notwithstanding the preponderance of the influence against him there was a strong feeling in favour of the prisoner, both in the court and throughout the garrison. So great indeed had the ferment become, when it was reported that he was condemned to die, (most people being convinced that his sentence was unjust), that the Count expressed his fears to the Governor that a general outbreak would be the consequence, if measures were carried to extremities with the prisoner. "We shall see," cried the Baron, furiously, "if my authority is not of more avail; however, I will disappoint their hopes, if they think to save the prisoner."