“The Akhal-Teke commander-in-chief walked as if on cue. The retinue, despite the snow plumes, golden aiguillettes, sunny cuirasses, despite the horses and weapons, next to the hero Mikhail Alexandrovich seemed like a flock of sparrows, galloping along behind the owner of the courtyard, the kochet. Titus was frightened by the awkward peasant thoughts and stretched out stronger, although it only seemed stronger nowhere. Behind the ribs, where an Orthodox heart is supposed to live, a heavy, hot, swelling nodule appeared with tremors. When the Grand Duke stopped the thin-legged Cheremis in front of Titus’ battery, the nodule in his chest exploded..."