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"If he is one of the ordinary little staff dandies sent to earn a

medal he can get his reward just as well in the rearguard, but if

he wishes to stay with me, let him... he'll be of use here if

he's a brave officer," thought Bagration. Prince Andrew, without

replying, asked the prince's permission to ride round the

position to see the disposition of the forces, so as to know his

bearings should he be sent to execute an order. The officer on

duty, a handsome, elegantly dressed man with a diamond ring on

his forefinger, who was fond of speaking French though he spoke

it badly, offered to conduct Prince Andrew.

On all sides they saw rain-soaked officers with dejected faces

who seemed to be seeking something, and soldiers dragging doors,

benches, and fencing from the village.