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The faces of officers and men brightened up at the sound.

Everyone got up and began watching the movements of our troops

below, as plainly visible as if but a stone's throw away, and the

movements of the approaching enemy farther off. At the same

instant the sun came fully out from behind the clouds, and the

clear sound of the solitary shot and the brilliance of the bright

sunshine merged in a single joyous and spirited impression.

CHAPTER VII

Two of the enemy's shots had already flown across the bridge,

where there was a crush. Halfway across stood Prince Nesvitski,

who had alighted from his horse and whose big body was jammed

against the railings. He looked back laughing to the Cossack who

stood a few steps behind him holding two horses by their bridles.

Each time Prince Nesvitski tried to move on, soldiers and carts

pushed him back again and pressed him against the railings, and

all he could do was to smile.