Pagina 331 van 3800

Dolokhov slowly straightened his bent knee, looking straight with

his clear, insolent eyes in the general's face.

"Why a blue coat? Off with it... Sergeant major! Change his

coat... the ras..." he did not finish.

"General, I must obey orders, but I am not bound to endure..."

Dolokhov hurriedly interrupted.

"No talking in the ranks!... No talking, no talking!"

"Not bound to endure insults," Dolokhov concluded in loud,

ringing tones.

The eyes of the general and the soldier met. The general became

silent, angrily pulling down his tight scarf.

"I request you to have the goodness to change your coat," he said

as he turned away.

CHAPTER II

"He's coming!" shouted the signaler at that moment.