"A whole regiment of those gaiter-legged fellows could not keep me," he added.
One of the officers asked him angrily why he wished to go back. Those were mistaken, if any, who expected a rude answer from the hussar.
"Yonder is my regiment," he replied, again twirling his mustache. "A true soldier bides by his colours."
To this nothing could be objected.
"Well, Miska, that you may not desert from us, I let you go free."
"Thanks, Colonel." Once more the hand was raised to the schako's place.
"You can go."
The hussar lingered, rubbed his nose, and frowned.
"Colonel—you surely do not intend me to pass through the whole camp in hussar uniform, and on foot. I should die of shame. Let them give me back my horse."
"Your horse? That is the Emperor's property, my son."