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"Now what does this mean, gentlemen?" said the staff officer, in

the reproachful tone of a man who has repeated the same thing

more than once. "You know it won't do to leave your posts like

this. The prince gave orders that no one should leave his post.

Now you, Captain," and he turned to a thin, dirty little

artillery officer who without his boots (he had given them to the

canteen keeper to dry), in only his stockings, rose when they

entered, smiling not altogether comfortably.

"Well, aren't you ashamed of yourself, Captain Tushin?" he

continued. "One would think that as an artillery officer you

would set a good example, yet here you are without your boots!

The alarm will be sounded and you'll be in a pretty position

without your boots!" (The staff officer smiled.) "Kindly return

to your posts, gentlemen, all of you, all!" he added in a tone of

command.