order."

All the opinions were contrary to mine. All agreed, that it was better
to stay behind a strong stone wall, protected by cannon, than to tempt
fortune in the open field. Finally, when all the opinions were known,
the General shook the ashes from his pipe and pronounced the following
discourse:

"Gentlemen, I am of the Ensign's opinion, for it is according to the
science of military tactics, which always prefers offensive movements
to defensive." He stopped and stuffed the tobacco into his pipe. I
glanced exultingly at the civil service employes, who, with
discontented looks, were whispering to each other.

"But, gentlemen," continued he, giving out with a sigh a long puff of
smoke, "I dare not assume the responsibility. I go with the majority,
which has decided that we await in this city the threatened siege, and
repulse the enemy by the power of artillery, and if possible, by well-
directed sorties."

The council broke up. I could not but deplore the weakness of the
worthy soldier, who, contrary to his own convictions, decided to follow
the opinion of ignorant inexperience.

Some days after this famous council of war, Pougatcheff, true to his
word, approached Orenbourg. From the top of the city walls I made a
reconnaissance of the rebel army. It seemed to me that their number
had increased ten-fold. They had more artillery, taken from the small
forts captured by Pougatcheff. Remembering our council, I foresaw a
long captivity behind the walls of Orenbourg, and I was ready to cry