‘Blow his brains out,’ said Will. ‘Why be troubled with such a reptile?’
They were standing irresolute, when suddenly Jack cried, ‘By Jove, look there!’
Close behind them a number of men, some carrying lanterns, had crept up, and several with rifles in their hands were advancing rapidly towards the two Lancers.
‘Russians,’ said Jack. ‘We’re in a fix!’
‘We must run,’ said Will.
They started to do so, when bang! bang! two reports rang out and two balls whizzed past them.
‘Let’s fall as though killed,’ said Jack; ‘perhaps they won’t trouble anything more about us.’
They did as Jack suggested, and lay still for a second. But rapid footsteps approaching, they felt themselves seized, and looking up saw the flat faces and dark-gray coats of several Russians.
They were prisoners!
For a few moments Jack half-expected to be immediately despatched, for ominous tales about the treatment of wounded and prisoners by the Russians had found their way to the camp of the Allies. Instead, he and Will were raised to their feet, and on the group with the lanterns approaching Jack saw, to his surprise, several officers of high rank.