The chateau had been seized, their officers had been made way with, it was held by the enemy.
"They can't be anything more than wandering peasants," cried an imperious voice in Russian outside.

"I thought you had made thorough work with them all, Scoref," continued the speaker.

"Your Cossacks must have failed to complete the job." "It will be the first time," answered Scoref, the _hetman_ of the raiders.

"Look, the village burns!" "Well, what's to be done now ?" said the first voice.
"I don't know, Baron," was the answer.

"Besieging castles is more in your line than in mine." "Shall we fire again, monsieur ?" asked Pierre within.
"No," was the answer.