His health had to be bad for his place to be taken away and given to another. And in fact his health was poor. So naturally, simply, and graduallyjust as he had come from Turkey to the Treasury in Petersburg to recruit the militia, and then to the army when he was needed therenow when his part was played out, Kutuzov`s place was taken by a new and necessary performer.

"A nice little hot torch for the infantry! Good luck to you, fellow countrymen. Thanks for the firewe`ll return it with interest," said he, carrying away into the darkness a glowing stick.