Thanks to God, they have not yet
been subjected to the horrors of epidemic and famine,
and I have reason to hope that they will escape them;
but I cannot admire their courage on the ramparts enough.
You hear my words, Sir Merchant, and I beg you to repeat
such to them."
"I thank your Highness in the name of the town," answered the
merchant chief. "May I ask you what is the most distant date
when we may expect the relieving army?"
"Six days at most, sir," replied the Grand Duke. "A brave and clever
messenger managed this morning to get into the town, and he told me
that fifty thousand Russians under General Kisselef, are advancing
by forced marches. Two days ago, they were on the banks of the Lena,
at Kirensk, and now, neither frost nor snow will keep them back.
Fifty thousand good men, taking the Tartars on the flank, will soon
set us free."
"I will add," said the chief of the merchants, "that we shall
be ready to execute your orders, any day that your Highness
may command a sortie."
"Good, sir," replied the Grand Duke. "Wait till the heads
of the relieving columns appear on the heights, and we will
speedily crush these invaders."
Then turning to General Voranzoff, "To-morrow," said he, "we will
visit the works on the right bank. Ice is drifting down the Angara,
which will not be long in freezing, and in that case the Tartars
might perhaps cross."
"Will your Highness allow me to make an observation?"
said the chief of the merchants.
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