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"Yes, so it is, so it is," said the general angrily, lowering the

field glass and shrugging his shoulders, "so it is! They'll be

fired on at the crossing. And why are they dawdling there?"

On the opposite side the enemy could be seen by the naked eye,

and from their battery a milk-white cloud arose. Then came the

distant report of a shot, and our troops could be seen hurrying

to the crossing.

Nesvitski rose, puffing, and went up to the general, smiling.

"Would not your excellency like a little refreshment?" he said.

"It's a bad business," said the general without answering him,

"our men have been wasting time."

"Hadn't I better ride over, your excellency?" asked Nesvitski.

"Yes, please do," answered the general, and he repeated the order

that had already once been given in detail: "and tell the hussars

that they are to cross last and to fire the bridge as I ordered;

and the inflammable material on the bridge must be reinspected."

"Very good," answered Nesvitski.