"True. Very well, there is no obstacle. Hand the prisoner over to the General," added the Colonel, in the tone of a superior officer giving an order. Walking slowly and accompanied by Mahmoud Bey, who looked as melancholy as ever, the Major arrived at the Russian advance-posts. A Cossack on horseback emerged from the fog. It was a sentinel. Two other Cossacks lay stretched on the ground. Their horses, attached to pickets, munched a bundle of hay. At the sight of the officer, the Cossacks rose quickly. "Where does this trench lead, my good fellows?" asked the Major, pointing to a very deep one close to where they stood. "Straight to the enemy, Major." "Has any one seen the Turks to-day?" "Not one has shown himself. They are quieter this morning. Yesterday they raged like madmen, but thank God, they are giving us a respite now." "They have understood that they were wasting ammunition." The Major signed to the prisoner to follow him and descended into the trench. A moment after, one of the Cossacks was at his side. "What do you want?" "One must take precautions, Major. We never know what may happen. The Turks are not very far away, you know." "It is unnecessary." "But, Major, your prisoner may escape." "No, he won't; he has even promised to point me out the Turkish positions. Return to your post." The Cossack went back. The two others rode in silence for half an hour. Finally the Major halted. "Listen to me, Mahmoud Bey. The Turkish army is not very far from here. Escape, and go to Adrianople to find your children. You understand me? I have children also. Well, what are you waiting for? Go, escape, and be quick. There is no time to lose. I might change my mind," he added, half-smiling. The Turk seemed absolutely petrified. He blinked his eyes. Evidently he understood nothing. "I tell you to go and find your family. Do you understand?" Quickly, and before the Major understood what he was going to do, Mahmoud Bey stooped down, seized his hand and kissed it. "Listen to me, Russian! I can never requite you this kindness. I do not dare to wish for you that you may find yourself one day in my position and chance upon a Turk as good as yourself. But know well there is only one God. Religions are diverse, but God is One. I promise you that I and my children, as long as we are alive, will pray God to preserve you for your children as you have preserved me for mine. May the sun shine on you for many years! Farewell, Russian, farewell!" Then as though fearing that the Major might change his mind, he whipped up his horse and disappeared. After waiting some minutes to allow him to get to some distance, the Major returned. When he arrived at the Russian outposts, he met the same Cossack who had wished to accompany him and said, "Your prediction is fulfilled. The Turk has escaped." The Cossack studied the Major's face and said, "I wish him luck. It is not prisoners we are in want of. We shall soon not know where to put them."