"He is alive, but there is a rattling in his throat; the lariat stifled him."
"Who is he?"
"He is not a Tartar; some man of distinction."
"Then God be thanked!"
The chief looked attentively at the prostrate man.
"Well, just like a hetman."
"His horse is of splendid Tartar breed; the Khan has no better," said the sergeant. "There he stands."
The lieutenant looked at the horse, and his face brightened. Two soldiers held a really splendid steed, who, moving his ears and distending his nostrils, pushed forward his head and looked with frightened eyes at his master.
"But the horse will be ours, Lieutenant?" put in, with an inquiring tone, the sergeant.
"Dog believer! would you deprive a Christian of his horse in the steppe?"