Sparks flashed again. The news flew in a moment among all the guards. They began to crowd to the stable with the haste usual on sudden occasions; hurried steps were heard, hurried questions and still more hurried answers. Advices crossed one another like swords in battle.
“To the loft! to the loft!“
“But watch outside!“
“Don't wake the ataman; if you do, there will be terror.“
“The ladder is gone!“
“Bring another!“
“There is none anywhere.“
“Run to the cottage; see if there is one there.“
“Oh, curse the Pole!“
“Go up the corners to the thatch; get in through the thatch.“
“Impossible; for the roof projects and is fastened with planks.“
“Bring the lances; we will go up on the lances. Ah, the dog! he has hauled up the ladder.“
“Bring the lances!“ roared Golody.
Some ran for the l
