Having taken off his coat, Lukashka went down to the bank.

'Don't go in, I tell you!' said Ergushov, putting some powder on
the pan. 'Look, he's not moving. I can see. It's nearly morning;
wait till they come from the cordon. You go, Nazarka. You're
afraid! Don't be afraid, I tell you.'

'Luke, I say, Lukashka! Tell us how you did it!' said Nazarka.

Lukashka changed his mind about going into the water just then.
'Go quick to the cordon and I will watch. Tell the Cossacks to
send out the patrol. If the ABREKS are on this side they must be
caught,' said he.

'That's what I say. They'll get off,' said Ergushov, rising.
'True, they must be caught!'

Ergushov and Nazarka rose and, crossing themselves, started off
for the cordon--not along the riverbank but breaking their way
through the brambles to reach a path in the wood.

'Now mind, Lukashka--they may cut you down here, so you'd best
keep a sharp look-out, I tell you!'

'Go along; I know,' muttered Lukashka; and having examined his gun
again he sat down behind the log.

He remained alone and sat gazing at the shallows and listening for
the Cossacks; but it was some distance to the cordon and he was