I will tell thee where thou art and everything that has passed." And the mujik related to Michael Strogoff the different incidents of the struggle which he had witnessed--the attack upon the ferry by the Tartar boats, the pillage of the tarantass, and the massacre of the boatmen.
But Michael Strogoff listened no longer, and slipping his hand under his garment he felt the imperial letter still secured in his breast.

He breathed a sigh of relief.
But that was not all.

"A young girl accompanied me," said he.
"They have not killed her," replied the mujik, anticipating the anxiety which he read in the eyes of his guest.

"They have carried her off in their boat, and have continued the descent of Irtych.

It is only one prisoner more to join the many they are taking to Tomsk!" Michael Strogoff was unable to reply.