You will do me a service.
This Russian colonel in the midst of a Tartar camp disgusts me;
and although, thanks to him, my head is still on my shoulders,
my eyes would exhibit my feelings were I to attempt to look him
in the face."
So saying, Alcide Jolivet assumed a look of complete
and haughty indifference.
Whether or not Ivan Ogareff perceived that the prisoner's
attitude was insulting towards him, he did not let it appear.
"Who are you, gentlemen?" he asked in Russian, in a cold tone,
but free from its usual rudeness.
"Two correspondents of English and French newspapers,"
replied Blount laconically.
"You have, doubtless, papers which will establish your identity?"
"Here are letters which accredit us in Russia, from the English
and French chancellor's office."
Ivan Ogareff took the letters which Blount held out, and read
them attentively. "You ask," said he, "authorization to follow
our military operations in Siberia?"
"We ask to be free, that is all," answered the English
correspondent dryly.
"You are so, gentlemen," answered Ogareff; "I am curious to read
your articles in the Daily Telegraph."
"Sir," replied Blount, with the most imperturbable coolness,
"it is sixpence a number, including postage." And thereupon
he returned to his companion, who appeared to approve completely
of his replies.
Ivan Ogareff, without frowning, mounted his horse, and going to the head
of his escort, soon disappeared in a cloud of dust.
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