"Now, gentlemen," said he, "we must decide what action is to be taken against the rebels. Shall we act offensively, or defensively? Each of these ways has its advantages and disadvantages. Offensive war presents more hope of a rapid extermination of the enemy, but defensive war is safer and offers fewer dangers. Let us then take the vote in legal order; that is, consult first the youngest in rank. Ensign," continued he, addressing me, "deign to give your opinion."
I rose, and in a few words depicted Pougatcheff and his army. I affirmed that the usurper was not in a condition to resist disciplined forces. My opinion was received by the civil service employes with visible discontent. They saw nothing in it but the levity of a young man. A murmur arose, and I heard distinctly the word "hare-brained" murmured in a low voice. The General turned to me smiling, and said: "Ensign, the first votes (the youngest) in war councils, are for offensive measures. Now let us continue to collect the votes. The College Director will give us his opinion."
The little old man in black silk, a College Director, as well as a customs officer, swallowed his third cup of tea, well dashed with a strong dose of rum, and hastened to speak: "Your Excellency," said he, "I think that we ought to act neither offensively nor defensively."
"What's that, sir?" said the General, stupefied; "military tactics present no other means; we must act either offensively or defensively."
"Your Excellency, act subornatively."
"Eh! eh! Your opinion is judicious," said the General; "subornative acts--that is to say, indirect acts--are also admitted by the science of tactics, and we will profit by your counsel. We might offer for the rascal's head seventy or even a hundred roubles, to be taken out of the secret funds."
"And then," interrupted the man in silk, "may I be a Kirghis ram, instead of a College Director, if the thieves do not bring their chief to you, chained hand and foot."
"We can think about it," said the General. "But let us, in any case, take some military measures. Gentlemen, give your votes in legal order."
All the opinions were contrary to mine. All agreed, that it was better to stay behind a strong stone wall, protected by cannon, than to tempt fortune in the open field. Finally, when all the opinions were known, the General shook the ashes from his pipe and pronounced the following discourse: "Gentlemen, I am of the Ensign's opinion, for it is according to the science of military tactics, which always prefers offensive movements to defensive." He stopped and stuffed the tobacco into his pipe. I glanced exultingly at the civil service employes, who, with discontented looks, were whispering to each other.