“Aye! aye! aye!” exclaimed the General.  “That’s bad, very bad; for it is impossible to depend upon the discipline of brigands.”

I observed that the fortress of Belogorsk was not far off, and that probably his Excellency would send a detachment of troops to deliver the poor inhabitants.

The General shook his head, doubtfully.  “We shall see! we shall see! there is plenty of time to talk about it; come, I beg you, to take tea with me.  Tonight there will be a council of war; you can give us some precise information regarding this Pougatcheff and his army.  Meantime, go and rest.”

I went to my allotted quarters, where I found Saveliitch already installed.  I awaited impatiently the hour indicated, and the reader may believe that I did not fail to be present at this council, which was to influence my whole life.  I found at the General’s a custom-house officer, the Director, as well as I can remember a little old man, red-faced and fat, wearing a robe of black watered silk.  He questioned me about the fate of the Captain Mironoff, whom he called his chum, and often interrupted me by sententious remarks, which, if they did not prove him to be a man well versed in war, showed his natural intelligence and shrewdness.  During this time other guests arrived.  When all had taken their places, and to each had been offered a cup of tea, the General carefully stated the questions to be considered.

“Now, gentlemen,” said he, “we must decide what action is to be taken against the rebels.  Shall we act offensively, or defensively?  Each of these ways has its advantages and disadvantages.  Offensive war presents more hope of a rapid extermination of the enemy, but defensive war is safer and offers fewer dangers.  Let us then take the vote in legal order; that is, consult first the youngest in rank.  Ensign,” continued he, addressing me, “deign to give your opinion.”

I rose, and in a few words depicted Pougatcheff and his army.  I affirmed that the usurper was not in a condition to resist disciplined forces.  My opinion was received by the civil service employes with visible discontent.  They saw nothing in it but the levity of a young man.  A murmur arose, and I heard distinctly the word “hare-brained” murmured in a low voice.  The General turned to me smiling, and said: 

“Ensign, the first votes (the youngest) in war councils, are for offensive measures.  Now let us continue to collect the votes.  The College Director will give us his opinion.”

The little old man in black silk, a College Director, as well as a customs officer, swallowed his third cup of tea, well dashed with a strong dose of rum, and hastened to speak: 

“Your Excellency,” said he, “I think that we ought to act neither offensively nor defensively.”

“What’s that, sir?” said the General, stupefied; “military tactics present no other means; we must act either offensively or defensively.”