At the same instant the sun came fully out from behind the clouds, and the clear sound of the solitary shot and the brilliance of the bright sunshine merged in a single joyous and spirited impression.

Two of the enemy's shots had already flown across the bridge, where there was a crush.

Halfway across stood Prince Nesvitski, who had alighted from his horse and whose big body was jammed against the railings.

He looked back laughing to the Cossack who stood a few steps behind him holding two horses by their bridles.