These words, full of manly power, and the form of
Osinski produced the very best impression on the prince
and the officers; for he was a famous soldier, and though
still young, not more than forty years of age, was full
of warlike experience which he had acquired in foreign
armies. Every military eye rested on him with pleas-
ure. Tall, straight as a reed, with yellow mustaches
brushed upward and a Swedish beard, he recalled com-
pletely by his uniform and stature the colonels of the
Thirty Years' War. Koritski, a Tartar by origin, resembled
him in nothing. Low in stature and dumpy, he had a
gloomy look, and his appearance was strange in a foreign
uniform, not befitting his Oriental features. He led a
picked German regiment, and had a reputation for bravery
as well as moroseness, and the iron rigor with which he
held his soldiers.

"We wait the commands of your Highness," said
Osinski.

"I thank you for your decision, and I accept your
services. I know that a soldier must obey; and if I sent
for you, it was because I was unaware of the order. Not
only shall we pass henceforth good and evil times to-
gether, but I hope that you will be pleased with your new
service."

"If you are pleased with us and with our officers."

"Very good!" said the prince. "Is the enemy far behind
you?"

"Scouting-parties are near, but the main force may arrive
here to-morrow."

"Very well, we have time then. Order your regiments
to march across the square; let me look at them, so I may
know what kind of soldiers you bring me, and if much can
be done with them."

The colonels returned to their regiments, and soon after
were marching at the head of them into the camp. Sol-
diers of the picked regiments of the prince hurried out
like ants to look at their new comrades. The royal
dragoons, under Captain Giza, marched in front with heavy
Swedish helmets and lofty crests. They rode Podolian
horses, but matched and well fed. These men, fresh and
rested, with bright and glittering uniforms, had a splendid
appearance in comparison with the emaciated regiments
of the prince, in tattered uniforms, faded from rain and
sun. After these followed Osinski with his regiment, and