And in this position he took an important resolution.

To the astonishment of the commission, he announced that he should ask permission to go himself to investigate the question on the spot.

And having obtained permission, Alexey Alexandrovitch prepared to set off to these remote provinces.

Alexey Alexandrovitch's departure made a great sensation, the more so as just before he started he officially returned the posting-fares allowed him for twelve horses, to drive to his destination.