Early in the morning the drum woke me up. I went to the assembly place. There were already crowds of Pugachev built around the gallows, where yesterday's victims still hung. Cossacks stood on top, soldiers under arms. Banners fluttered. Multiple guns, between whom I recognized our, were put on marching carriages. All residents were right there, waiting for the impostor. At the porch of the commandant's house, a Cossack held by the bridle a beautiful white horse of the Kyrgyz breed. I looked through the eyes of the commandant's body. It was carried slightly to the side and covered with mat. Finally Pugachev came out of the entrance. The people took off their hats. Pugachev stopped on the porch and greeted everyone. One of the foremen handed him a bag of copper money, and he began to throw them in handfuls. The people rushed to pick them up with a cry, and the matter was not without injury. Pugachev was surrounded by the main of his accomplices. Shvabrin stood between them. Our eyes met; in mine he could read contempt, and he turned away with an expression of sincere malice and feigned mockery. Pugachev, seeing me in the crowd, nodded his head to me and called me to him. "Hear, - he said to me,. - Go this very hour to Orenburg and announce from me to the governor and all the generals, so they expect me to come to them in a week. Advise them to meet me with childlike love and obedience; otherwise they will not escape a fierce execution. happy way, your honor!"Then he turned to the people and said, pointing to Shvabrin: "There you are, kids, new commander: obey him in everything, and he answers me for you and for the fortress ". With horror I heard these words: Shvabrin became the head of the fortress; Marya Ivanovna remained in his power! God, what will happen to her! Pugachev stepped off the porch. His horse was brought. He quickly jumped into the saddle, without waiting for the Cossacks, who wanted to hook him.
At this time from the crowd of people, see, my Savelich spoke, walks up to Pugachev and gives him a sheet of paper. I could not come up with, what will come of it. "What's this?"- asked importantly Pugachev. "Read, so please see ", - Savelich answered. Pugachev accepted the paper and looked for a long time with an air of considerable. "What are you writing so tricky? He said finally. - Our bright eyes cannot make out anything here. Where is my chief secretary?»
A young fellow in a corporal's uniform quickly ran up to Pugachev. Read aloud, - said the impostor, giving him the paper. I was extremely curious to know, what my uncle decided to write to Pugachev about. The chief secretary loudly began to read the following through the warehouses:
"Two robes, plain and silk striped, for six rubles ".
- What does it mean? - I said,, frowning, Pugachev.
- Order to read more, Savelich answered calmly.
The chief secretary continued:
“A uniform of thin green cloth for seven rubles.
White woolen pants for five rubles.
Twelve Dutch linen shirts with cuffs for ten rubles.
Undertaker with tea utensils for two rubles and a half… »
- What a lie? - interrupted Pugachev. - What do I care about cellars and pants with cuffs?
Savelich grunted and began to explain. "It, father, please see, reestr barskomu dobru, decorated by villains ... "
- What villains? - asked Pugachev menacingly.
- to blame: let it slip, - Savelich answered. - Villains are not villains, and your guys still fumbled and spread. Don't be angry: the horse stumbles on four legs. Show already read.
- Read on, - said Pugachev. The secretary continued:
"The blanket is printed, other taffeta on cotton paper - four rubles.
Fox fur coat, covered with scarlet ratin, 40 rubles.
Another hare sheepskin coat, granted to your grace at the inn, 15 rubles ".
- What's that else! - cried Pugachev, flashing fiery eyes.
I confess, I was scared for my poor uncle. He wanted to start explaining again, but Pugachev interrupted him: “How dare you come to me with such trifles? He cried, snatching the paper from the secretary's hands and throwing it in Savelich's face. - Silly old man! They were robbed: what a trouble? Yes you should, old bastard, forever pray to god for me and for my guys for that, that you and your master do not hang here with my disobedient ones ... Hare sheepskin coat! Ya-te dam zayachiy tulup! Yes, do you know, that I will tell you to peel off your skin on sheepskin coats?»
- As you wish, - Savelich answered;- and I am a bonded person and I must answer for lordly good.
Pugachev was, it is seen, in a fit of generosity.
He turned away and drove off, without saying another word. Shvabrin and the foremen followed him. The gang came out of the fortress in order. The people went to see off Pugachev. I was left on the square alone with Savelich. My uncle held his register in his hands and looked at it with an air of deep regret..
Seeing my good agreement with Pugachev, he thought to use it in favor; but a wise intention he failed. I began to scold him for inappropriate zeal and could not help laughing. "Laugh, sir, - Savelich answered;- laugh; but how will we have to start all over again, so let's see, will it be funny ".
I was in a hurry to the priest's house to see Marya Ivanovna. Booty met me with sad news. At night, Marya Ivanovna developed a strong fever. She lay unconscious and delirious. Booty led me into her room. I walked quietly to her bed. The change in her face amazed me. The patient did not recognize me. I stood before her for a long time, without listening to Father Gerasim, nor his good wife, that, it seems, they comforted me. Dark thoughts worried me. Poor condition, defenseless orphan, left in the midst of vicious rebels, my own impotence terrified me. Schwabrin, Shvabrin tormented my imagination the most. Endowed with power from an impostor, leading the fortress, where the unfortunate girl remained - the innocent object of his hatred, he could decide on anything. What was I to do? How to give her help? How to free the villain from the hands? There was one remedy left: I decided to go to Orenburg at the same hour, in order to hasten the liberation of the Belogorsk fortress and, if possible, facilitate this. I said goodbye to the priest and to Akulina Pamfilovna, entrusting her with ardor, whom he already considered as his wife. I took the poor girl's hand and kissed her, dripping with tears. "Farewell, - the priest told me, seeing me off;- goodbye, Petr ANDREIĆ. Maybe I'll see you at a better time. Do not forget us and write to us more often. Poor Marya Ivanovna, except you, now has no consolation, no patron ".
Out on the square, i stopped for a minute, looked at the gallows, bowed to her, left the fortress and walked along the Orenburg road, accompanied by Savelich, who kept up with me.
I was walking, busy with his thoughts, when suddenly I heard a horse stomp behind me. Looked back; see: a Cossack gallops from the fortress, holding the Bashkir horse in the reins and making signs to me from afar. I stopped and soon recognized our police officer. is he, jumping up, got off his horse and said, giving me another reins: "Your honor! Our father grants you a horse and a fur coat from his shoulder (a sheepskin coat was tied to the saddle). Yes, even, - the sergeant stammered, - he bestows on you ... half of the money ... but I lost it on the way; forgive generously ». Savelich looked at him askance and grumbled: "I lost my way! And what is rattling in your bosom? Unscrupulous!"-" What is rattling in my bosom? - objected the sergeant, do not be embarrassed at all. "God be with you.", starinushka! It's a bridle strumming, not half a dollar ". "Good.", - I said, interrupting the dispute. "Thank you for that.", who sent you; and try to pick up the confused half on the way back and take it for vodka ". - "Very grateful, your honor, - he answered, turning your horse;- forever I will pray to God for you ". With these words he rode back, holding one hand in the bosom, and a minute later disappeared from sight.
I put on a sheepskin coat and sat astride, planted Savelyich behind him. "Here you see, sir, - said the old man, - that it was not for nothing that I submitted a petition to the scammer: the thief felt ashamed, even though a lanky Bashkir nag and a sheepskin sheepskin coat are not worth half that, what they, scammers, they stole from us, and that, that you yourself deigned; yes, it's still useful, and with a dashing dog at least a tuft of wool ".
Chapter X The Siege of the City
Taking the meadows and mountains,
From the top, like an eagle, he cast his eyes on the hail.
Behind the camp he commanded to build a roll
AND, in it peruns hiding, at night, bring under the hail. *
Kheraskov.
Approaching Orenburg, we saw a crowd of prisoners with shaved heads, with faces, disfigured forceps of the executioner. They worked near the fortifications, under the supervision of the garrison disabled. Others took out rubbish in carts, filling the moat; others dug the ground with shovels; bricklayers carried bricks on the rampart and repaired the city wall. At the gate the sentries stopped us and demanded our passports. How soon the sergeant heard, that I am going from the Belogorsk fortress, then he took me straight to the general's house.
I found him in the garden. He examined the apple trees, naked with the breath of autumn, and with the help of the old gardener, he carefully wrapped them in warm straw. His face portrayed calm, health and good nature. He was delighted with me and began to ask about terrible incidents., which I was a witness. I told him everything. The old man listened to me with attention, and meanwhile he cut off dry branches. "Poor Mironov! - he said, when I finished my sad story. - Sorry for him: was a good officer. And Madame Mironov was a kind lady, and what a Mysterian to salt mushrooms! And what about Masha, Captain's daughter?»I answered, that she remained in the fortress in the hands of the priest. "Month, month, month! - said the general. - This is bad, very bad. The discipline of the robbers can never be relied upon.
What will happen to the poor girl?»I answered, that it is close to the Belogorsk fortress and that, probably, His Excellency will not hesitate to send an army to free the poor of its inhabitants. The general shook his head with an air of incredulity. "We'll see, let's see, - he said. - We will have time to talk about this.. Please come to me for a cup of tea: today i will have a war council. You can give us the correct information about the bum Pugachev and about his army. Now go and rest in the meantime. ".
I went to the apartment, assigned to me, where Savelich was already in charge, and looked forward to the appointed time. The reader can easily imagine, that I did not fail to appear at the council, should have had such an impact on my fate. At the appointed hour, I was already at the general.
I met with him * one of the city officials, I remember, customs director, a fat and ruddy old man in an overgrown caftan. He began to ask me about the fate of Ivan Kuzmich, whom he called godfather, and often interrupted my speech with additional questions and moralizing remarks, who if they did not denounce him as a person versed in the art of war, then at least showed sharpness and natural intelligence. Meanwhile, the other invitees also gathered. Between them, except for the general himself, there was not a single military man. When everyone sat down and served everyone a cup of tea, the general stated very clearly and at length, what was the matter: "Now, gentlemen, - he continued, - to be decided, how do we act against the rebels: offensively or defensively? Each of these methods has its own benefits and disadvantages.. Offensive action represents more hope for the early destruction of the enemy; defensive action is more true and safe ... So, let's start collecting votes according to the legal order, that is, starting with the lowest ranked. Mr. Ensign! - he continued, turned to me. - Let me explain your opinion to us ".
I got up and, first describing in short words Pugachev and his gang, said in the affirmative, that the impostor had no way to resist the right weapon.
My opinion was accepted by officials with obvious disfavour. They saw in him the rashness and audacity of a young man.. There was a murmur, and I heard clearly the word: greenhorn, spoken in an undertone. The general turned to me and said with a smile: “Mr. Ensign! The first votes at military councils are usually in favor of offensive movements.; this is a legal order. Now let's continue collecting votes. Collegiate Counselor! tell us your opinion!»
An old man in an oiled caftan hastily finished his third cup, considerably diluted with rum, and answered the general: "I think, Your Excellency, which should not act offensively, not defensively ".
- How so, mister collegiate counselor? - objected the astonished general. - Tactics do not represent other ways: defensive or offensive movement ...
- Your Excellency, move bribing.
- E-he-he! your opinion is very reasonable. Bribery tactics are allowed, and we will take your advice. It will be possible to promise for the head of a slacker ... seventy rubles or even a hundred ... from the secret amount ...
- And then, - interrupted the customs director, - whether I am a Kyrgyz sheep, not a collegiate counselor, if these thieves do not give us their chieftain, shackled hand and foot.
- We will think about it and talk about it, - answer general. - However, in any case, military measures must be taken. the Lord, cast your votes legally.
All opinions were contrary to mine. All the officials talked about the unreliability of the troops, about unfaithful luck, about caution and the like. Everybody believed, what is more prudent to stay under the cover of guns, behind a solid stone wall, rather than in the open field to experience the happiness of weapons. Finally general, after listening to all opinions, shook the ash out of the pipe and made the following speech:
- My lords! I must tell you, that for my part I completely agree with the opinion of the ensign: for this opinion is based on all the rules of sound tactics, which almost always prefers offensive movements to defensive ones.
Then he stopped and began to fill his pipe. My pride triumphed. I looked proudly at the officials, who whispered among themselves with an air of displeasure and anxiety.
- but, my lords, - he continued, releasing, along with a deep breath, thick stream of tobacco smoke, - I dare not take on such a great responsibility, when it comes to the security of the provinces entrusted to me by her imperial majesty, my most merciful sovereign. so, I agree with the majority of votes, which decided, what is most prudent and safer inside the city to wait for a siege, and enemy attacks by force of artillery and (will be possible) sorties - to reflect.
The officials, in turn, looked at me derisively.. Council dispersed. I couldn't help but regret the venerable warrior's weakness, which the, contrary to my own conviction, dared to follow the opinions of people ignorant and inexperienced.
A few days after this famous advice, we learned, that Pugachev, true to his promise, approached Orenburg. I saw a rebel army from the height of the city wall. It seemed to me, that their number has increased tenfold since the last attack, to whom was I a witness. They also had artillery, taken by Pugachev in small fortresses, already conquered by them. Remembering the council's decision, I foresaw a long-term imprisonment within the walls of Orenburg and almost cried with frustration.
I will not describe the Orenburg siege, which belongs to history, not family notes. I will briefly say, that this siege, through the negligence of the local authorities, was disastrous for the inhabitants, who have suffered hunger and all kinds of disasters. One can easily imagine, that life in Orenburg was the most unbearable. All with despondency awaited the decision of their fate; everyone groaned at the high cost, which was really terrible. Residents are accustomed to cores, who flew into their yards; even Pugachev's attacks did not attract general curiosity. I was dying of boredom. As time went. I did not receive letters from the Belogorsk fortress. All roads were cut off.
Parting with Marya Ivanovna was becoming intolerable to me. The unknown about her fate tormented me. My only amusement was riding. By the grace of Pugachev, I had a good horse, with which I shared meager food and on which I went out of town every day to shoot with the Pugachev riders. In these skirmishes, the advantage was usually on the side of the villains., well-fed, drunk and good. The skinny city cavalry could not defeat them. Sometimes our hungry infantry went out into the field; but the depth of the snow prevented her from acting successfully against the scattered riders. Artillery thundered in vain from the height of the shaft, but got stuck in the field and did not move due to the exhaustion of the horses. This was the pattern of our military operations! And this is what the Orenburg officials called prudence and prudence!
One day, when we managed to somehow disperse and drive away a rather dense crowd, I ran into a Cossack, lagging behind his comrades; I was about to hit him with my Turkish saber, when suddenly he took off his hat and shouted: "Hello, Petr ANDREIĆ! How god has mercy on you?»
I looked and recognized our sergeant. I was incredibly happy with him. "Hello, Maksimych, - I said to him,. - How long has it been from Belogorskaya?»
- Recently, Father Pyotr Andreyevich; just returned yesterday. I have a letter for you.
- Where is it? I cried, all flushed.
- With me, - answered Maksimych, putting his hand behind his bosom. - I promised Broadsword somehow to deliver you. - Then he gave me a folded piece of paper and immediately galloped off. I unfolded it and read the following lines in awe:
“It pleased God to suddenly deprive me of my father and mother: I have no relatives on earth, no patrons. Come running to you, knowing, that you always wished me well and that you are ready to help every person. I pray to god, so that this letter somehow reaches you! Maksimych promised to deliver it to you. Broadsword also heard from Maksimych, that he often sees you from afar on sorties and that you do not take care of yourself at all and do not think about those, who pray for you with tears of God. I've been sick for a long time; and when I recovered, Alexey Ivanovich, who commands us in the place of the deceased father, forced father Gerasim to hand me over to him, intimidating Pugachev. I live in our house under guard. Alexey Ivanovich is forcing me to marry him. He says, what saved my life, because he covered up the deception of Akulina Pamfilovna, who told the villains, as if I'm her niece. It would be easier for me to die, rather than become the wife of such a person, what is Alexey Ivanovich. He treats me very cruelly and threatens, if I don't change my mind and disagree, then take me to the villain's camp, and it will be the same with you, what happened to Lizaveta Kharlova *. I asked Alexey Ivanovich to let me think. He agreed to wait three more days; and if in three days I will not marry him, there will be no mercy. Father Petr Andreevich! you are my only patron; stand up for me poor. Ask the general and all commanders to send a sikursa to us as soon as possible, but come yourself, if you can.
I remain you a submissive poor orphan
Marya Mironova ".
After reading this letter, I almost lost my mind. I set off into the city, spurring my poor horse without mercy. On the way I invented both for the deliverance of the poor girl and could not invent anything. Galloping into town, I went straight to the general and rushed to him.
The general walked up and down the room, smoking his foam pipe. Seeing me, he stopped. probably, my sight amazed him; he carefully inquired about the reason for my hasty arrival.
- Your Excellency, - I said to him,, - running to you, like a father; for god's sake, do not deny me my request: it's about the happiness of my whole life.
- What, father? - asked the astonished old man. - What can I do for you? Speak.
- Your Excellency, order me to take a company of soldiers and fifty Cossacks and let me clean the Belogorsk fortress.
The general looked at me intently, believing, probably, I'm out of my mind (in which I was almost not mistaken).
- Like this? Clear the Belogorsk fortress? He said finally.
- I guarantee you success, - I answered with ardor. - Just let me go.
- Not, young man, - he said shaking his head. - At such a great distance, it will be easy for the enemy to cut you off from communication with the main strategic point and get a complete victory over you. Interrupted communication ...
I was afraid, seeing him lured into military reasoning, and was in a hurry to interrupt it.
- Daughter of Captain Mironov, - I said to him,, - writes a letter to me: she asks for help; Shvabrin forces her to marry him.
- Really? ABOUT, this Mop is great Schelm #, and if it falls into my hands, then I will tell him to judge in 24 o'clock, and we will shoot him on the parapet of the fortress! But in the meantime we must take patience ...
- Take patience! - I shouted beside myself. - And meanwhile he is marrying Marya Ivanovna!..
- ABOUT! - objected the general. - It's not a problem yet: it is better for her to be Shvabrin's wife for the time being: he can now protect her; and when we shoot him, then, God will give, she will also find suitors. Pretty little widows don't sit in girls; that is, I wanted to say, that the widow would sooner find a husband, rather than a girl.
- I'd rather agree to die, - I said in a rage, - rather than give it up to Shvabrin!
"Yes, and, and, and! - said the old man. - Now understand: you, it is seen, in love with Marya Ivanovna. ABOUT, it's another matter! Poor fellow! But still, I just can't give you a company of soldiers and fifty Cossacks. This expedition would be unwise; I can't take her responsibility.
I lowered my head; despair seized me. Suddenly a thought flashed through my head: what was it, the reader will see from the next chapter, as the old novelists say.
Chapter XI The Rebellious Sloboda
At that time, the lion was full, even though he's kind of fierce.
"For what you deigned to be in my den?» –
He asked kindly. *
BUT. Sumarokov.
I left the general and hurried to my apartment. Savelich met me with his usual exhortation. "Hunt you, sir, transfer with drunken robbers! Is this a boyar case? Not even time: you will never be lost. And good would you go to a Turk or a Swede, otherwise it's a sin to say to whom ".
I interrupted his speech with a question: how much money do i have? "Will be with you, - he answered with a satisfied look. - Fraudsters no matter how they rummaged, but I still managed to hide ". And with that he took out of his pocket a long knitted purse, full of silver. "Well, Savelich, - I said to him,, - give me now half; and take the rest. I'm going to the Belogorsk fortress ".
- Father Petr Andreevich! - said the kind uncle in a trembling voice. - Fear God; how do you go on the road at the present time, when there is no way from the robbers! Have pity on your parents, if you don't feel sorry for yourself. Where do you go? Why? Wait a minute: troops will come, overcap scammers; then go to yourself at least on all four sides.
But my intention was firmly accepted.
- It's too late to argue, - I answered the old man. - I have to go, I can't help but go. Do not sue, Savelich: God is merciful; maybe see you! see also, don't be ashamed and don't be stingy. Buy, what will you need, even exorbitantly. I give you this money. If after three days I don't turn and turn ...
- What are you, sir? - Savelich interrupted me. - So that I let you in alone! Do not ask for this in a dream. If you already decided to go, then at least I'll follow you on foot, but I won't leave you. So that I could sit behind a stone wall without you! Am I out of my mind? done, sir, and I will not leave you alone.
I knew, that there was nothing to argue with Savelich, and let him get ready for the journey. Half an hour later I got on my good horse, and Savelich to a skinny and lame nag, which one of the city dwellers gave him for free, no longer able to feed her. We arrived at the city gates; the guards let us through; we left Orenburg.
