A FAITHFUL SERVANT. 2(33 



of US ; and, indeed, wherever we went with 

 Simon and Vassili afterwards, we could 

 always see that, though civil and even friendly, 

 there was a kind of uneasiness in their inter- 

 course such as might exist between a cat and 

 a fox terrier on the same hearthrug, who. 

 though at peace for the moment, felt keenly 

 that it was not their normal condition. 



Poor old Simon ! The term of his service 

 had nearly expired now, and he was very 

 determined to see that we left his hands safe 

 and sound. Twice I opened my eyes during 

 the night. The first time he was still crouch- 

 ing over the fire, his pipe in his mouth, and 

 at the other fire were three fio-iires also sittino' 

 up. But Simon had his eye on them. 



When next I woke, I felt someone touch 

 me, and without stirring I opened my eyes 

 and saw my good fellow, having kicked 

 the logs together and added fresh ones, take 

 off his own blanket and tuck it carefully 



