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"Now, gentleainst the rebels Shall we act offensively, or defensively? Each of these ways has its advantages and disadvantages Offensive war presents more hope of a rapid extermination of the eneers Let us then take the vote in legal order; that is, consult first the youngest in rank Ensign," continued he, addressing ive your opinion"

I rose, and in a feords depicted Pougatcheff and his army I affirmed that the usurper was not in a condition to resist disciplined forces My opinion was received by the civil service e in it but the levity of a young man A murmur arose, and I heard distinctly the word "hare-brained" , and said: "Ensign, the first votes (the youngest) in war councils, are for offensive e Director will give us his opinion"

The little old e Director, as well as a customs officer, sed 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 ill profit by your counsel We ht offer for the rascal's head seventy or even a hundred roubles, to be taken out of the secret funds"

"And then," interrupted the e 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 soal order"

All the opinions were contrary tostone wall, protected by cannon, than to tempt fortune in the open field Finally, when all the opinions were known, the General shook the ashes fro discourse: "Gentle 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 e to each other