The crowd fled to the further end of the open space, and the women clasped their crying children to their breasts. Simon walked directly toward the officer.
"Who are you, and what do you want?" he asked, politely but firmly.
The officer did not seem to hear him—he was looking intently at the inn. Simon repeated his question, this time in German. The Austrian then concluded to look at him.
"Is this village Leigoutte?" he asked. "And is that your inn?" And the soldier pointed to the inn.
"What business is that of yours?" asked Simon, who by this time had become excessively angry.
"Give my men something to drink."
Simon clenched his hands as he replied:
"I never give anything to the enemies of my country!"
The Cossacks understood him and uttered a groan.