Pagina 535 di 788

All became silent, and the firing ceased; the armies gazed

eagerly at the meeting of their leaders. The Count and Rykov

advanced, standing sidewise, threatening each other with the

right hand and the right eye; then with their left hands they

uncovered their heads and bowed courteously-it is the custom of

men of honour, before proceeding to murder, first to exchange

greetings. Their swords were already crossed and had begun to

clash. The knights, each lifting one foot, bent their right

knees, and jumped forward and back by turns.

But Plut, seeing Thaddeus in front of his line, had a quiet

consultation with Corporal Gont, who passed for the best shot in

the company.

"Gont," said the Major, "you see that rascal there; if you will

put a bullet into him right under the fifth rib I'll give you

four silver rubles."