" I told you to fire the bridge, and now someone has gone and blundered; they are all beside themselves over there and one can't make anything out.

" The colonel deliberately stopped the regiment and turned to Nesvitski.

"You spoke to me of inflammable material," said he, "but you said nothing about firing it.

" "But, my dear sir," said Nesvitski as he drew up, taking off his cap and smoothing his hair wet with perspiration with his plump hand, "wasn't I telling you to fire the bridge, when inflammable material had been put in position?" "I am not your 'dear sir,' Mr.

Staff Officer, and you did not tell me to burn the bridge! I know the service, and it is my habit orders strictly to obey.