"I have said that I am listening to you; what is it you wish to say?" asked the general.
"Well, general, this is how it happened; we were charging, weren't we?'
"Yes."
"My horse shied to avoid stepping on a wounded man—you know those animals are so intelligent."
"Yes, I know."
"And mine especially. I found myself face to face with one of those emigrated nobles. Ah! he was a fine young fellow, not more than twenty-two at the most. When he aimed a blow at my head I had to defend myself—"
"Certainly."
"And to return the blow; there was no other way, was there?"
"No, of course not."
"One doesn't need to be a provost to know that! He fell. He had swallowed more than six inches of steel."