The Cossacks began bustling about and talking.

Two of them went to cut brushwood for a shelter, others strolled towards the cordon.

Luke and Nazarka ran to get ready to go to the village.
Half an hour later they were both on their way homewards, talking incessantly and almost running through the dense woods which separated the Terek from the village.
'Mind, don't tell her I sent you, but just go and find out if her husband is at home,' Luke was saying in his shrill voice.
'And I'll go round to Yamka too,' said the devoted Nazarka.

'We'll have a spree, shall we ?' 'When should we have one if not to-day ?' replied Luke.
When they reached the village the two Cossacks drank, and lay down to sleep till evening..