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With the soldier, an infantry officer with a bandaged cheek came

up to the bonfire, and addressing Tushin asked him to have the

guns moved a trifle to let a wagon go past. After he had gone,

two soldiers rushed to the campfire. They were quarreling and

fighting desperately, each trying to snatch from the other a boot

they were both holding on to.

"You picked it up?... I dare say! You're very smart!" one of them

shouted hoarsely.

Then a thin, pale soldier, his neck bandaged with a bloodstained

leg band, came up and in angry tones asked the artillerymen for

water.

"Must one die like a dog?" said he.

Tushin told them to give the man some water. Then a cheerful

soldier ran up, begging a little fire for the infantry.

"A nice little hot torch for the infantry! Good luck to you,

fellow countrymen. Thanks for the fire-we'll return it with

interest," said he, carrying away into the darkness a glowing

stick.