However, it did not entirely calm the old man to have our news, for he had heard of the large detachment of Reds that was coming from the border of the Usinsky District in pursuit of the Tartars who were escaping with their cattle south to Mongolia.
"From one minute to another we are awaiting them with fear," said our host to me.

"My Soyot has come in and announced that the Reds are already crossing the Seybi and the Tartars are prepared for the fight." We immediately went out to look over our saddles and packs and then took the horses and hid them in the bushes not far off.

We made ready our rifles and pistols and took posts in the enclosure to wait for our common enemy.

An hour of trying impatience passed, when one of the workmen came running in from the wood and whispered: "They are crossing our swamp.

.