He had devoted himself to exploring the country around Ohotsk and studying the Russian language.

"We don't expect to starve at present," said the captain; "Providence sends us fish, the emperor sends us flour, and the merchants furnish tea and sugar.

We have lived so long on a simple bill of fare that we are almost unfitted for any other." We had a lunch of dried fish, tea, whisky, and cigars, and soon after went to take tea at a house where most of the Variag's officers were assembled.

The house was the property of three brothers, who conducted the entire commerce of Ohotsk.

The floor of the room where we were feasted was of hewn plank, fastened with enormous nails, and appeared able to resist anything short of an earthquake.