"Since you give me the name of sister, I am Marfa's daughter." And as Michael did not answer she added: "Perhaps your mother has been able to leave Omsk ?" "It is possible, Nadia," replied Michael; "and I hope she may have reached Tobolsk.

Marfa hates the Tartars.

She knows the steppe, and would have no fear in just taking her staff and going down the banks of the Irtych.

There is not a spot in all the province unknown to her.

Many times has she traveled all over the country with my father; and many times I myself, when a mere child, have accompanied them across the Siberian desert.