"Very well, you shall stay! It is true that you may be of the greatest service.

I have not the right to consider personal matters when the welfare of Russia is at stake." It was light by now.

In curious contrast to the shambles of the garden and the disorder of the house, its windows shattered by bullets, its furniture broken and draperies torn in the swift conflict that had followed the appearance of the Cossacks, roosters were crowing outside and birds were singing.

General Suvaroff gave a sharp order; subordinates passed it along.

A bugle sounded, and, five minutes later, after the general had said good-bye to the two scouts, the Cossack raiders rode away.