Pagina 593 de 788

"Your defence, as you know, was vigorous and prompt. I was

amazed; the Muscovites kept falling close by me; the beasts aimed

poorly.-At the sight of their overthrow hatred again overcame

me.-That Pantler a victor! And shall he prosper thus in his every

purpose? And shall he triumph even over this fearful assault? I

was riding away, smitten with shame.-Day was just dawning;

suddenly I beheld him and recognised him; he stepped out on the

balcony and his diamond buckle glittered in the sun; proudly he

twirled his mustache and proudly gazed around; and it seemed to

me that he mocked at me above all others, that he had recognised

me and that thus he pointed his hand at me, scoffing and

threatening,-I seized a carbine from a Muscovite; I barely raised

it to my shoulder, scarcely aimed-it went off! You know the rest!