Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/50

22 upon us, the Cossacks took us on the flanks, our little army gave way, and every one, for safety, betook himself to flight, as well as he could, the wood promising to cover our retreat.

An officer passing at the head of twenty horsemen, said to me: “Join our small detachment, make haste, we shall not fall into the enemy's hands.” “Everything is lost,” replied I, “no matter what becomes of me.” He went away speedily; I had neither strength nor wish to spur forward my horse. I saw myself immediately surrounded by a band of Cossacks. I had no sword, my pistols were discharged, and I could not raise my arm; they seized my horse by the bridle, and thus I was taken prisoner.