The Tartar soldiers were almost immediately under arms.
Ivan Ogareff arrived, surrounded by a large staff of Tartar officers.
His face was more clouded than usual, and his knitted brow gave signs
of latent wrath which was waiting for an occasion to break forth.
Michael Strogoff, hidden in a group of prisoners, saw this man pass.
He had a presentiment that some catastrophe was imminent:
for Ivan Ogareff knew now that Marfa was the mother of Michael Strogoff.
Ogareff dismounted, and his escort cleared a large circle round him.
Just then Sangarre approached him, and said, "I have no news."
Ivan Ogareff's only reply was to give an order to one of his officers.
Then the ranks of prisoners were brutally hurried up by the soldiers.
The unfortunate people, driven on with whips, or pushed on with lances,
arranged themselves round the camp. A strong guard of soldiers drawn
up behind, rendered escape impossible.
Silence then ensued, and, on a sign from Ivan Ogareff, Sangarre advanced
towards the group, in the midst of which stood Marfa.
The old Siberian saw her, and knew what was going to happen.
A scornful smile passed over her face. Then leaning towards Nadia,
she said in a low tone, "You know me no longer, my daughter.
Whatever may happen, and however hard this trial may be, not a word,
not a sign. It concerns him, and not me."
At that moment Sangarre, having regarded her for an instant,
put her hand on her shoulder.
"What do you want with me?" said Marfa.
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