“Why will nothing come of it?”
“Because your statement is badly made.”
“Ah, what a violent wrangler!” said Kraut, gayly. “A truly obstinate Little Russian. All right; you will see that they will make you lieutenant to pay for your mortification.”
“No, they won’t do anything.”
“Vlang,” added Kraut, speaking to the yunker, “fill my pipe and bring it to me, please.”
Kraut’s presence had waked them all up. Chatting with each one, he gave the details of the bombardment, and asked questions about what had taken place during his absence.
XVIII.
“Now, then, are you settled?” Kraut asked of Volodia. “But, pardon me, what is your name—both your names? It’s our custom in the artillery. Have you a saddle-horse?”
“No,” answered Volodia, “and I am much troubled about it. I have spoken to the captain. I shall have neither horse nor money until I get my forage-money and my travelling expenses. I would like to ask the commander of the battery to lend me his horse, but I am afraid he will refuse.”
“You would like to ask this of Apollo Serguéïtch?” said Kraut, looking at the captain, while he made a sound with his lips which expressed doubt.