Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 01.djvu/544

496 healthy body," he said, in a jesting and careless tone; "show it to me!"

The ensign obeyed, but in the expression with which he glanced at the mirthful doctor were surprise and reproach, which the latter did not see. He began to probe the wound, and to examine it from all sides; but the wounded man lost his patience and with a heavy groan pushed away his hand.

"Leave me alone," he said, in a barely audible voice, "I shall die anyway."

With these words he fell on his back, and five minutes later, when I went up to the group that had formed itself near him, and asked a soldier, "How is the ensign?" he answered, "He is going!"