AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE
BY
COUNT LYOF N. TOLSTOI
From "The Invaders." Translated by N. H. Dole.
1887
(Prince Nekhiludof Relates how, during an Expedition in the Caucasus,
he met an Acquaintance from Moscow)
Our division had been out in the field. The work in hand was
accomplished: we had cut a way through the forest, and each day we were
expecting from headquarters orders for our return to the fort. Our
division of fieldpieces was stationed at the top of a steep mountain-
crest which was terminated by the swift mountain-river Mechik, and had
to command the plain that stretched before us. Here and there on this
picturesque plain, out of the reach of gunshot, now and then, especially
at evening, groups of mounted mountaineers showed themselves, attracted
by curiosity to ride up and view the Russian camp.
The evening was clear, mild, and fresh, as it is apt to be in December
in the Caucasus; the sun was setting behind the steep chain of the
mountains at the left, and threw rosy rays upon the tents scattered over
the slope, upon the soldiers moving about, and upon our two guns, which
seemed to crane their necks as they rested motionless on the earthwork
two paces from us.
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