HIS KXCKLLEXCV THE GOVERKOK OF AYAN. 46;^ 
the Allies he might have received us ia a manner more 
in keeping with his feelings; but, as tilings now stood, 
we must excuse any apparent neglect, and take the ex- 
pressed will for the impossible deed. 
We replied, with equal suavity of mariner, that we had 
already been almost feasted to death by his accomplished 
(here “old Frybark” blushed scarlet, and looked in other 
respects quite overpowered) representative, and that if 
he did not mercifully interpose his authority there was no 
telling what grave consequences might ensue. At this 
point wc all laughed, as a matter of course, and, giving 
the reins to our fretful little horses, galloped back to 
Ayan ; the governor and captain leading off, “ old Fry- 
bark” and our doctor next, tlien the Russian doctor and 
Carnes, and, finally, “the crowd in general” bringing up 
the confused rear, while the restless American darted 
about in all directions upon his irritated horse, with the 
evident desire of attracting the admiration of his excel- 
lency to his superior (?) horsemanship 
And thus we re-entered Ayan, where a fresh edition 
of Turkish pipes and tobacco, of “twenty drops,” and 
of pressing invitations to partake bountifulljq occupied 
the time that must yet elapse before the promised supper. 
Fortunately, we were spared that promised supper for 
the present, but with the express understanding tliat it 
was to come off on the following night. “Distance lent 
enchantment to the view,” as we settled back into the 
old arm-chairs, and talked about the war, the late van- 
dalisms of the English officers, the manners and customs 
of the several tribes of Eastern Siberia, the price of furs, 
and of statistics in general. The governor spoke quietly, 
