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"All right. They are good fellows. And how have you wriggled onto

the staff?"

"I was attached; I'm on duty."

Both were silent.

"She let the hawk fly upward from her wide right sleeve," went

the song, arousing an involuntary sensation of courage and

cheerfulness. Their conversation would probably have been

different but for the effect of that song.

"Is it true that Austrians have been beaten?" asked Dolokhov.

"The devil only knows! They say so."

"I'm glad," answered Dolokhov briefly and clearly, as the song

demanded.

"I say, come round some evening and we'll have a game of faro!"

said Zherkov.

"Why, have you too much money?"

"Do come."

"I can't. I've sworn not to. I won't drink and won't play till I

get reinstated."

"Well, that's only till the first engagement."

"We shall see."

They were again silent.

"Come if you need anything. One can at least be of use on the

staff..."

Dolokhov smiled. "Don't trouble. If I want anything, I won't

beg-I'll take it!"

"Well, never mind; I only..."

"And I only..."