For it is a very small world in which to do wrong, though if
a man do a little good in his lifetime it is--heaven knows--soon
mislaid and trodden under the feet of the new-comers.
The next day it was definitely ascertained that the citizens of
Moscow had no communication to make to the conquering leaders. Soon
after daylight the army moved towards the city. The suburbs were
deserted. The houses stood with closed shutters and locked doors.
Not so much as a dog awaited the triumphant entry through the city
gates.
Long streets without a living being from end to end met the eyes of
those daring organizers of triumphal entries who had been sent
forward to clear a path and range the respectful citizens on either
hand. But there were no citizens. There was not a single witness
to this triumph of the greatest army the world had seen, led across
Europe by the first captain in all history to conquer a virgin
capital.
The various corps marched to their quarters in silence, with nervous
glances at the shuttered windows. Some, breaking rank, ventured
into the churches which stood open. The candles were lighted on the
altars, they reported to their comrades in a hushed voice when they
returned, but there was no one there.
Certain palaces were selected as head-quarters for the general
officers and the chiefs of various departments. As often as not a
summons would be answered and the door opened by an obsequious
porter, who handed the keys to the first-comer.
Pages:
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145