Because Bruno had an idea. If there were no carriages of any kind in Poti, he might, perhaps, find a pair of scales. For this emaciated Dutchman it was now or never to compare his actual weight with his former figure.
So Bruno had quitted the hotel, taking care to carry with him his master's "guide," which gave him in Tartar pounds the value of the Russian weights and measures, with which he was unacquainted.
On the quays of a maritime town, near the custom-house, there are always some large scales in which a man can ascertain his weight at his leisure.
Bruno had no misgivings on the subject. In consideration of a few kopecks the proprietor of the scales made no objection to the lad's fancy. They placed a considerable weight in the one scale, and Bruno, not without secret misgivings, ascended into the other.
To his great disgust the latter remained upon the ground, and Bruno, notwithstanding his efforts, could not move the scale.
"The devil!" he muttered, "this is as I feared."
Then a less weight was substituted, but the scale remained as immovable as before.
“Is it possible!" exclaimed Bruno, who felt all the blood rushing to his heart.
At that moment his gaze fell upon a pleasant face, which appeared quite benevolent in its regard.
"My master!" exclaimed Bruno.
It was Van Mitten, sure enough; who, by the chances of
