They quenched their thirst with snow.
The street upon which the greater part of the army had gathered was
marked with deserted cannons and powder wagons; and on both sides lay
the dead, upon whom the fast falling snow had spread a white coverlet.
Many of the soldiers of Alfred's regiment had fallen, and lay frozen in
the snow; others were scattered here and there.
Alfred and a chum, both in a weakened condition, tried to go on. They
descried a little village, about half an hour distant; but before they
reached it, Alfred had become so weak that he fell exhausted in the
snow, saying: "Thus must I die here!" He extended his hand to his friend
and with tears in his eyes said: "Should you ever reach the Castle of
Banford, bear my love to my mother and sisters. Tell them that Alfred
Banford fought bravely, and fell in the service of his country."
These words reached the ears of a Russian gentleman, Vosky by name, who
in a rude sled was going in the direction of the village. He halted,
offered his assistance to the two half-frozen men, helped them into the
sleigh and hurried on with them. A few minutes' drive brought them to a
little inn, half concealed by the drifted snow.
The men were conducted into the house and furnished with food and
warmth. The host asked them no questions, for he saw that they were
benumbed and almost unconscious. At last, when they had recovered, he
raised his glass and said: "To your health, gentlemen. All brave
soldiers should live.
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