'Sir, the Japanese are entrenching on the top of 203 Metre Hill. We are retiring; the artillery must shell the hill. Every minute is precious.'
Biely calmly answered that, according to the reports from Irman, the hill was still ours.
'I assure you, sir, the Japanese have got the hill, and are throwing up a parapet. I can see it through my telescope.'
Biely answered as before, and suggested that Semenoff should communicate with the Fortress Staff. Meanwhile the Japanese were feverishly, rapidly continuing to work, and time was going—precious time that never would return.
Semenoff rang up the Fortress Staff. They replied that, according to a report just received from Kondratenko, the hill was still in our hands. Semenoff assured them that our men had abandoned it and the Japanese had seized the summit.
The artillery remained silent: without an order through 'the proper channel' they could not open fire. No one else either saw or knew what was happening. It was only from Semenoff's observation point, and by aid of an excellent telescope, that it could be seen that the Japanese had taken the hill. Semenoff again rang up Biely:
'Sir, open fire on 203 Metre Hill, or it will be too late. There are many Japanese there now. They are entrenching themselves on the top, and we shall not be able to get it back.'
'Perhaps you are mistaken. Why doesn't Irman, who is commanding the western front, send us any word? I——'
But Semenoff rang off. It was already 2 p.m. He rang up Irman's staff and spoke to Kondratenko:
'Sir, the Japanese have occupied the top of 203 Metre Hill, and are building a parapet. We have retreated. I can see it all in my telescope. Fire must be opened on the hill.'