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Our reserve units were able to join up, and the fight was at an

end. The regimental commander and Major Ekonomov had stopped

beside a bridge, letting the retreating companies pass by them,

when a soldier came up and took hold of the commander's stirrup,

almost leaning against him. The man was wearing a bluish coat of

broadcloth, he had no knapsack or cap, his head was bandaged, and

over his shoulder a French munition pouch was slung. He had an

officer's sword in his hand. The soldier was pale, his blue eyes

looked impudently into the commander's face, and his lips were

smiling. Though the commander was occupied in giving instructions

to Major Ekonomov, he could not help taking notice of the

soldier.