Page 397 sur 3800

He called the Cossack with his horse, told him to put away the

knapsack and flask, and swung his heavy person easily into the

saddle.

"I'll really call in on the nuns," he said to the officers who

watched him smilingly, and he rode off by the winding path down

the hill.

"Now then, let's see how far it will carry, Captain. Just try!"

said the general, turning to an artillery officer. "Have a little

fun to pass the time."

"Crew, to your guns!" commanded the officer.

In a moment the men came running gaily from their campfires and

began loading.

"One!" came the command.

Number one jumped briskly aside. The gun rang out with a

deafening metallic roar, and a whistling grenade flew above the

heads of our troops below the hill and fell far short of the

enemy, a little smoke showing the spot where it burst.