The business is an invasion."
"And that shall be my masterpiece!" responded Joseph Ribas.
"If you succeed, I will, in the name of my illustrious empress,
immediately take you into her service, and you become an officer of the
Russian marine."
Joseph Ribas stared at him with astonishment. "That is certainly an
immense honor and a great good fortune," said he, "only I should like
to know if the Russian marine engages in sea-fights, and if the officers
are obliged to stand under fire?"
"Yes, indeed," cried Orloff, laughing, "but in such cases you can
conceal yourself behind the cannon until the fight is over!"
"I shall remember your wise suggestion in time of need!" seriously
responded Joseph Ribas, bowing to the count.(*) "And where, your
excellency, is to be the scene of my present activity? Where am I to
gain my epaulets?"
(*) And, in fact, Ribas did remember it! At a later period,
having become a Russian admiral, he was intrusted with the
command of the flotilla which was to descend the Danube to
aid in the capture of Kilia and Ismail. But during the
investment of Ismail (December 21, 1790), Ribas concealed
himself among the reeds on the bank of the Danube, and did
not reappear until the danger was over and he could in
safety share in the booty taken by his sailors.
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