He pressed his hand upon his heart to restrain its beating.

But, notwithstanding these many trials, the sentiment of duty mastered his whole soul.

"Where am I ?" asked he.
"Upon the right bank of the Irtych, only five versts from Omsk," replied the mujik.
"What wound can I have received which could have thus prostrated me?
It was not a gunshot wound ?" "No; a lance-thrust in the head, now healing," replied the mujik.

"After a few days' rest, little father, thou wilt be able to proceed.

Thou didst fall into the river; but the Tartars neither touched nor searched thee; and thy purse is still in thy pocket." Michael Strogoff gripped the mujik's hand.