He was about to make
an exclamation of surprise when he saw the young girl lay her
finger on her lips.
"Come," said Nadia. And with a careless air, Alcide rose
and followed her, making a sign to Blount to accompany him.
But if the surprise of the correspondents had been great at meeting
Nadia on the raft it was boundless when they perceived Michael Strogoff,
whom they had believed to be no longer living.
Michael had not moved at their approach. Jolivet turned towards
the girl. "He does not see you, gentlemen," said Nadia. "The Tartars
have burnt out his eyes! My poor brother is blind!"
A feeling of lively compassion exhibited itself on the faces of Blount
and his companion. In a moment they were seated beside Michael,
pressing his hand and waiting until he spoke to them.
"Gentlemen," said Michael, in a low voice, "you ought not to know who
I am, nor what I am come to do in Siberia. I ask you to keep my secret.
Will you promise me to do so?"
"On my honor," answered Jolivet.
"On my word as a gentleman," added Blount.
"Good, gentlemen."
"Can we be of any use to you?" asked Harry Blount. "Could we
not help you to accomplish your task?"
"I prefer to act alone," replied Michael.
"But those blackguards have destroyed your sight," said Alcide.
"I have Nadia, and her eyes are enough for me!"
In half an hour the raft left the little port of Livenitchnaia,
and entered the river. It was five in the evening and getting dusk.
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