The Russian soldiers rushed at the young officer, who had fallen, and would have killed him, but, waving them off, he said he must speak with their General before he died.
The Prince, astonished at the request at such a moment, consented.
"What is it you have to say, and why did you not attempt to shoot me?"
"I could not."
"But what prevented you?"
"Duty."
"I do not understand."
The young officer drew from his tunic a letter, a locket, and a small box, and handed them to the General.
"What is the meaning of this?" exclaimed the Prince.
"Look inside the locket."