"Piotr speaks well," said Quarovitch.
"Good! You in the army will fight, because it is your duty; you of the farms, in self-protection; and both for Rudarlia."
"And the King," said Quarovitch. "Don't forget that, your Majesty; Piotr, here, would not have raised a hand if Ivan had been still reigning; and I should have hated doing so."
"It is lucky you are seldom at Court, Colonel, because I can see that you would forget your soldierly habits for those of the courtier."
"God forbid, your Majesty!" he cried, and then we all three laughed again.
I took a map from my desk, spreading it out before me.
"Come closer, and look. Here is Melanov, Piotr. I wish you to point out to the Colonel the exact spot of which we were talking."
"It is there, your Majesty."
"You see, Colonel, there?"
"I see nothing except that small road which you have traced in red ink."