After traversing the walk several times, he began to suspect that he must have mistaken the time and place, as no one appeared; or that his new friend had been prevented from keeping the appointment by some unforeseen circumstance. He accordingly determined to return to the hotel, when suddenly, as if springing from the earth, a dark figure stood before him, so closely muffled as to baffle recognition. Ivan recoiled a few paces, so unexpectedly did the figure come upon him; and, as his mind recurred to Azila's warnings respecting the secret revenge of the Count Erintoff, the idea of treachery presented itself, and his hand 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's ear. "In search of him who appointed a meeting with me here," answered the young man. "Know you aught of him?" "Behold him before you," said the visitor of the morning, stepping forward, 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 not observe my skiff, as I guided it noiselessly under the bank, and landed when you had turned the other way while I closely watched you. It behoves 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 to the matter on which we have met." "Speak on," said Ivan. "I am prepared to hear, and shall not forget my promise." "Listen then," said the other. "Ivan Galetzoff, you are far better known than you are aware of. Since you came to Moscow you have been constantly followed, and your words marked. Many, of whom you are totally 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 difficult for youth to resist when administered to the very points on which he probably prides himself; "I did not deem myself of sufficient importance to 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 of freedom, and the happiness of your fellow-creatures?" "I both detest tyranny and love freedom," answered Ivan; "but what service can my single arm afford, either to overthrow the one, or to defend the other?" "Much," hastily responded the stranger. "You do not stand alone. Your principles are supported by thousands of spirits, noble as your own. The sacred cause of liberty must, and will be triumphant over all her base opponents."