'Zagorovsky, tell Semenoff to send a section of Petrenko's battery here immediately, at a quick trot. It will be an unpleasant surprise for the enemy on the ridge, and will relieve Butusoff.'
Before the General had finished his orders a mounted scout rode up from the right.
'Sir, Colonel Butusoff orders me to report that he is only holding his own with immense difficulty; the Japanese are climbing up in great strength and firing point-blank.'
'These Frontier Guardsmen are splendid fellows. I know that Butusoff would die rather than retire without orders. Ah, there's the officer commanding the section.'
Semenoff, slightly limping, came up.
'My reserves, sir, are practically finished; we must do a little shuffling, and take the troops from the points where the attack is not being pressed home.'
'Good; I think so too. How well those Frontier Guards are doing!'
'Yes, sir. Butusoff will never retire without orders.'
The guns now galloped along the valley and over the bridge.