, wait up in your
tent, alone, to-night. I know which it is, and I shall come there
as soon as I can get away and walk through the camp, without
observation. All I ask is a brief talk with you.

"With unhappiest salutations, I am

"IRINA PETROVNA."

Ivan read the note through twice. Then, without a word, he handed it to
his companion, and waited till the latter's ejaculation announced that
he also had grasped its significance. Then, leading the way rapidly to
their own tent, Ivan seated himself opposite his companion, and said, in
a low voice:

"Mademoiselle Petrovna was with Brodsky to-night, when I forced my way
past the orderly. She wrote this note and threw it upon the floor at my
feet while Brodsky was facing me. From what I saw, Vladimir, I'm certain
the Colonel hasn't prospered in his siege. For, in spite of all
appearances, I'm convinced that the woman neither belongs to him nor
wishes to yield to him. But for the life of me I can't understand her
continual presence here--in this camp, where--"

The sentence died away. De Windt shook his head, but forbore to utter
his incredulity. Presently he said:

"You'll see her, of course.--And you'll want me to be getting out of
here. I can sleep with Deroiev, easily."

"Thanks, Vladimir.--But, by the way, you'll--that is, I'd prefer, my
good friend, that you should say nothing at all of this incident. I'll
let you know, in the morning, the result of the interview. And I believe
that, through her, we can reach Brodsky and force what we want. I had no
opportunity, to-night, to say what I had planned. He is enraged with me,
just now. But I have no fear of to-morrow. Before he attempts to
court-martial me I shall have a little private interview with him,
and--you shall see that the matter will blow over; and the Second may
take its right place again in the army."

De Windt sprang to his feet, with an exclamation: "Pardieu, Ivan
Mikhailovitch! I begin to think I have never known you, before! You--in
your first year out of the Corps--doing what not one of us dare do! You
make one ashamed--"

"Nonsense, Vladimir Vassilyitch! I tell you, I'd be in the same case as
the rest of you if it were not for--my father. And now, help me to get
the place here in some sort of state to receive--the lady!"

So, laughing, the two fell silently to work.

An hour and a half later the great camp was still a