murmured in a low voice. The General turned to me smiling, and said:

"Ensign, the first votes (the youngest) in war councils, are for
offensive measures. Now let us continue to collect the votes. The
College Director will give us his opinion."

The little old man in black silk, a College Director, as well as a
customs officer, swallowed his third cup of tea, well dashed with a
strong dose of rum, and hastened to speak:

"Your Excellency," said he, "I think that we ought to act neither
offensively nor defensively."

"What's that, sir?" said the General, stupefied; "military tactics
present no other means; we must act either offensively or defensively."

"Your Excellency, act _subornatively_."

"Eh! eh! Your opinion is judicious," said the General; "subornative
acts--that is to say, indirect acts--are also admitted by the science
of tactics, and we will profit by your counsel. We might offer for the
rascal's head seventy or even a hundred roubles, to be taken out of the
secret funds."

"And then," interrupted the man in silk, "may I be a Kirghis ram,
instead of a College Director, if the thieves do not bring their chief
to you, chained hand and foot."

"We can think about it," said the General. "But let us, in any case,
take some military measures. Gentlemen, give your votes in legal