"Yes; allow me to conduct Mahmoud Bey to him."
The Colonel gave a side-glance in order to preserve a serious expression, and finally said, without looking at the Major:
"There is nothing against it. But you will need a horse."
"It is easy to find one. Have we not taken enough from the Turks?"
"True. Very well, there is no obstacle. Hand the prisoner over to the General," added the Colonel, in the tone of a superior officer giving an order.
Walking slowly and accompanied by Mahmoud Bey, who looked as melancholy as ever, the Major arrived at the Russian advance-posts.
A Cossack on horseback emerged from the fog. It was a sentinel. Two other Cossacks lay stretched on the ground. Their horses, attached to pickets, munched a bundle of hay. At the sight of the officer, the Cossacks rose quickly.
"Where does this trench lead, my good fellows?" asked the Major, pointing to a very deep one close to where they stood.
"Straight to the enemy, Major."
"Has any one seen the Turks to-day?"