'It's absurd to try and hold out there longer: we must think of the men. It's all the same: sooner or later we shall have to abandon it. We must not waste men; we shall want them later.' To Fock Smirnoff replied: 'It is premature to think of abandoning the hill at present. I am pouring in reinforcements, and it is still ours.' [Illustration: RESERVES WAITING UNDER 203 METRE HILL.] 'But Irman--Irman reports--and he knows what he is saying--he reports that the hill is in the enemy's hands, and it is essential for us to take steps to get the men away, to save our reserve, to, to----' 'I repeat, there is no particular danger; I have already taken the necessary steps,' said Smirnoff. 'But Irman, who commands that front, reports steps must be taken. The enemy will break through; he'll force the line, and there'll be a street massacre,' said Stössel and Fock together. 'They cannot break through the line of forts and intermediate works,' answered Smirnoff. 'Oh yes, they can. You must retrench--cut off Tea Valley--and thus prevent a possible dash through.' 'I have already said that to you,' said Fock to Stössel, 'and I urge it being done. It is absolutely necessary to retrench, to cut off into compartments.' 'I quite agree--I quite agree,' echoed Nickitin. Fock turned to Stössel. 'Sir, won't you order Tretiakoff to remain on the summit of the hill all the time? Let him sit there. Let him see for himself how the men are faring.' The latter turned to Reuss and told him to telephone to Colonel Tretiakoff on no account to leave the top of the hill. Smirnoff looked helplessly at those around, his glance now angry, now contemptuous. 'But Tretiakoff is always there! He is himself in immediate command of the fighting.' This reply changed the current of Stössel's thoughts, for he replied: 'And so with the loss of this hill the days of this place are as good as----' 'Gentlemen, I guarantee that 203 Metre Hill will be ours as long as it can be reinforced without risk to the north-east front. You may feel at ease; I promise you that by morning-tea to-morrow I will give you the hill,' interrupted Smirnoff, his voice trembling. 'But it is all the same necessary that Tea Valley be partitioned off, or they will be able to break through,' was the reply. 'I have not enough men; if I do that I can't hold on to 203 Metre.' 'Take the Town Guard--make use of them,' said Stössel. Smirnoff, seeing that the only way of getting away was to agree, said: 'All right; but I promise you by morning-tea to-morrow the hill shall be yours. Good-bye,' and departed.