"Here's something for you to report," said Zherkov.

" See if I don't get promoted to a sublieutenancy.

" "Inform the prince that I the bridge fired!" said the colonel triumphantly and gaily.

"And if he asks about the losses?" "A trifle," said the colonel in his bass voice: "two hussars wounded, and one knocked out," he added, unable to restrain a happy smile, and pronouncing the phrase "knocked out" with ringing distinctness.