“‘Jump on your horse, Jaromir,’ said Rasinski, ‘and ride to the corner of the forest; thence you will see far over the country.’ “Jaromir, now the best mounted in the regiment, sped swiftly across the snow, in obedience to the order. But he returned even more rapidly, to announce that the entire heights were covered with Cossacks, and that infantry columns were debouching from the depths of the forest. “Just then Colonel Regnard, who by the marshal’s order had also been out to reconnoitre, rode by. ‘This looks like work, Rasinski,’ he cried in passing; ‘the ball opens just like the day before yesterday. The wood is as full of Russians as an anthill of ants.’ The drums beat. The troops stood to their arms. The disorderly groups of weaponless stragglers and invalids formed themselves into a dense mass. “‘For us the fight is a pleasure,’ exclaimed Rasinski; ‘but it is hard upon Boleslaw and the other wounded. We must do our best to shield them from harm. But who comes here?’ “A Russian officer was seen descending the hill, waving a white handkerchief. “‘Useless trouble, sir,’ said Rasinski proudly to himself, as he distinguished the Russian’s object. ‘We shall not treat for peace so long as we can handle our arms.’ “The marshal was busy placing and ordering his troops. He galloped through the ranks, showing himself every where, directing and encouraging all. Rasinski sent an orderly to report to him the approach of a flag of truce. But before the message reached him, the Russian officer reached the outposts, and, on distinguishing the Polish uniform, summoned them in their own language to surrender to overpowering forces. Rasinski sprang forward like an incensed lion. ‘What!’ he shouted, ‘you would seduce our men, incite them to desert! That is not the duty of a flag of truce. You are my prisoner!’ “The alarmed officer would have turned his horse, but Rasinski already held the bridle, and his soldiers surrounded the Russian so quickly that resistance and flight were alike impossible. “‘You will surely respect the sacred rights of a flag of truce!’ cried the Russian. “‘You should have waited at proper distance, till you knew if it pleased us to receive you,’ replied Rasinski. ‘It is against all usage of war to approach an enemy’s army as you have done.’ “‘Take me to your commander,’ said the officer, ‘he will listen to my well-intended offers. The bravest must yield to impossibility. You have no alternative but capitulation.’ “‘We shall see that,’ answered Rasinski, well assured beforehand of the marshal’s decision. ‘Here comes our commander, Marshal Ney. That name may suffice to convince you that you will waste your words.’ “The marshal came; Rasinski rode to meet him and reported what had passed. “‘You have done your duty as an officer and man of honour,’ replied Ney; ‘I should take shame to myself did I hesitate to confirm your words.’ And he rode forward and inquired the Russian’s pleasure.