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Updated: May 19, 2025
They had been visiting the outposts, and, before returning, were making a little private reconnaissance of the enemy's disposition, for Gotsuchakoff and Shoveloff were enthusiasts in their way, and fond of adventure.
In an instant he glided to his side, laid his hand on his mouth, and whispered "Gotsuchakoff, be still for your life! I am Dobri Petroff. Do you understand?" He looked close to the sergeant's eyes, and saw that he was understood. At once he removed his hand, and untied the belt which fastened the sergeant's feet.
Evidently their great desire was to meet with the enemy. Whatever thoughts they might have had of home, they did not at that time express them aloud. Some among them, however, were grave and sad; a few were stern almost sulky. Such was Dobri Petroff that night. Round his fire, among others, stood Sergeant Gotsuchakoff and Corporal Shoveloff.
The scout smiled, not because of what was said, which of course he did not understand, but because of the Englishman's expression. But time pressed; too much had already been lost. He therefore contented himself by giving Lancey a friendly slap on the shoulder and turned to the sergeant. "Gotsuchakoff," said he, "I'm out on special service, and have already been delayed too long.
Gotsuchakoff was too well used to war's alarms to give way to unreasonable curiosity. He instantly perceived that the scout required of him the utmost circumspection for some reason or other, and, in the spirit of a true soldier, awaited orders in total silence, ready for prompt action. This was well, because there was little time to spare.
The front reached, and the Turkish line of sentries safely passed in the fog, they came unexpectedly on two Russian horsemen who were cautiously riding towards the Turkish lines. These horsemen were Sergeant Gotsuchakoff and Corporal Shoveloff.
He rose very slowly, lifted the stone, held it in a position which is familiar to Scotch Highlanders, and hurled it with tremendous force down on the head of Sergeant Gotsuchakoff. The sergeant bowed to circumstances. Without even a cry, he tumbled off his horse and laid his helmet in the dust.
At that moment the scout's eyes were opened still wider with amazement, for the unfortunate Sergeant Gotsuchakoff who, as I have said, had been laid down a few yards from him, and whom he had almost forgotten began to recover consciousness and growled something in an undertone about its being "far too soon to turn out." Petroff recognised the well-known growl of the sergeant.
This man," pointing to Lancey, "is an Englishman and a friend remember that. The others are Turks. You know what to do with them. I cannot help you, but you won't need help." "Just so," replied Gotsuchakoff, with an intelligent nod, "only lend a hand to tie them together and then be off about your business."
When Petroff directed the sergeant's attention to the Turks they were busy undoing the bonds of their prisoner. Without saying another word, the scout glided swiftly forward. He was promptly followed by the sergeant. Next moment both men leaped on the Turks and had them by their throats. Eskiwin was no match for Gotsuchakoff, who bore him back and held him like a vice.
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