“Yes, but not enough to refuse a perilous mission. What is there to be done?”
“To go with a picked body of men on whom you can rely, and reconnoitre the Russian strength and position; but, for heaven’s sake, be very prudent. You know the full extent of the danger.”
“Yes. Thanks for having chosen me,” I replied; and, bowing to the two officers, I withdrew and told Badecki to have my horse saddled immediately. Whilst I was looking to the loading of my pistols young Charles M—— came up.
“Lieutenant,” he exclaimed, “you are going to reconnoitre the Russian army?”
“Yes,” I replied. “Why do you ask?”
“Will you let me go with you?”
“No, my boy. To-morrow’s fight may be a serious one, for which you will need all your strength.”
The poor little fellow made a wry face, but went and lay down again at the foot of a tree. I only took with me Badecki and an old soldier named Zeromski, who had distinguished himself in the campaign of 1830. He had an austere and severe countenance, which, however, brightened into the sweetest and gentlest smile possible when you spoke to him. He was as laconic as a Spartan and kept himself always aloof; but under fire his bravery was heroic, and almost amounted to rashness. His comrades had nicknamed him Stalowy-serce (heart of steel).
We reconnoitred the enemy’s position without being discovered, and were returning towards the edge of the camp, when my horse stumbled against the root of a tree and fell on one knee. My orderly, Badecki, looked at me anxiously, shook his head, coughed, sighed, and turned uneasily in his saddle.
“What on earth is the matter, Badecki?” I exclaimed. “One would think you were sitting on a wasp’s nest.”