noon
This time the adventure lasted somewhat longer ; those who were passing heard loud outcries and uproar for a short time , as if a wrestling match were going on in the hut , and the letter-carrier , an old woman , who was just going by , even stood still in surprise and curiosity . The curiosity was satisfied , for she soon saw the handsome Uhlan officer rush out , pressing his hand to his cheek as if he had a violent toothache . He looked very much dishevelled and made off with noticeable haste . He did not appear in the tavern at noon , so in the afternoon his two comrades sent their orderlies to him to enquire about his health ; in the evening he joined them at table and showed his astonished friends a broad strip of black court-plaster on his right cheek . `` What does that mean ? '' asked the captain . `` It seems to be a bad cut , '' observed the lieutenant .