daughter?"

"She is in the fortress, at the house of the Greek priest."

"Aye! aye! aye!" exclaimed the General. "That's bad, very bad; for it is
impossible to depend upon the discipline of brigands."

I observed that the fortress of Belogorsk was not far off, and that
probably his Excellency would send a detachment of troops to deliver the
poor inhabitants.

The General shook his head, doubtfully. "We shall see! we shall see!
there is plenty of time to talk about it; come, I beg you, to take tea
with me. Tonight there will be a council of war; you can give us some
precise information regarding this Pougatcheff and his army. Meantime,
go and rest."

I went to my allotted quarters, where I found Saveliitch already
installed. I awaited impatiently the hour indicated, and the reader may
believe that I did not fail to be present at this council, which was
to influence my whole life. I found at the General's a custom-house
officer, the Director, as well as I can remember a little old man,
red-faced and fat, wearing a robe of black watered silk. He questioned
me about the fate of the Captain Mironoff, whom he called his chum,
and often interrupted me by sententious remarks, which, if they did
not prove him to be a man well versed in war, showed his natural
intelligence and shrewdness. During this time other guests arrived. When
all had taken their places, and to each had been offered a cup of tea,
the General carefully stated the questions to be considered.

"Now, gentlemen," said he, "we must decide what action is to be taken
against the rebels. Shall we act offensively, or defensively? Each of
these ways has its advantages and disadvantages. Offensive war presents
more hope of a rapid extermination of the enemy, but defensive war
is safer and offers fewer dangers. Let us then take the vote in legal
order; that is, consult first the youngest in rank. Ensign," continued
he, addressing me, "deign to give your opinion."

I rose, and in a few words depicted Pougatcheff and his army. I affirmed
that the usurper was not in a condition to resist disciplined forces.
My opinion was received by the civil service employes with visible
discontent. They saw nothing in it but the levity of a young man. A
murmur arose, and I heard distinctly the word "hare-brained" murmured in
a low voice. The General turned to me smiling, and said:

"Ensign, the first votes (the youngest) in war councils, are for
offensive measures. Now let us co