Pagina 402 de 3800

That one also passed. Then followed a cart unlike any that had

gone before. It was a German cart with a pair of horses led by a

German, and seemed loaded with a whole houseful of effects. A

fine brindled cow with a large udder was attached to the cart

behind. A woman with an unweaned baby, an old woman, and a

healthy German girl with bright red cheeks were sitting on some

feather beds. Evidently these fugitives were allowed to pass by

special permission. The eyes of all the soldiers turned toward

the women, and while the vehicle was passing at foot pace all the

soldiers' remarks related to the two young ones. Every face bore

almost the same smile, expressing unseemly thoughts about the

women.

"Just see, the German sausage is making tracks, too!"

"Sell me the missis," said another soldier, addressing the

German, who, angry and frightened, strode energetically along

with downcast eyes.

"See how smart she's made herself! Oh, the devils!"

"There, Fedotov, you should be quartered on them!"