"Go and harness yourself to what remains of our cart; I will take the reins, and call you my little pigeon, like a true iemschik, and you will trot off like a real post-horse." "Mr.Jolivet," replied the Englishman, "this joking is going too far, it passes all limits and--" "Now do be quiet, my dear sir.

When you are done up, I will take your place; and call me a broken-winded snail and faint-hearted tortoise if I don't take you over the ground at a rattling pace." Alcide said all this with such perfect good-humor that Michael could not help smiling.

"Gentlemen," said he, "here is a better plan.

We have now reached the highest ridge of the Ural chain, and thus have merely to descend the slopes of the mountain.

My carriage is close by, only two hundred yards behind.