The next day the regimental commander sent for Denisov, and holding his fingers spread out before his eyes said: "This is how I look at this affair: I know nothing about it and won't begin proceedings, but I advise you to ride over to the staff and settle the business there in the commissariat department and if possible sign a receipt for such and such stores received.

If not, as the demand was booked against an infantry regiment, there will be a row and the affair may end badly.

" From the regimental commander's, Denisov rode straight to the staff with a sincere desire to act on this advice.