By the end of October rumours as to the revolution in Germany and Austria had become quite definite. Two more mighty monarchies were on the eve of dissolution. My attitude towards these reports was divided, just as was my feeling towards the recent enemy who had temporarily rid part of Russia of the Bolsheviks. A change in the social order of Central Europe meant, doubtless, a near end of the war, but at the same time it retarded the possibility of re-establishing the monarchical principle in Russia. (At that time, I still could not imagine my country otherwise governed.)
As soon as the rumour of the revolution was confirmed, the Austrian troops went from Odessa. . . .
( page 378 )
We were first to go to Kishinev where further instructions awaited us. Our preparations for departure soon were made. On the very eve of our departure a new wave of the "flu" swept the house ; our host fell ill and I had another attack of fever.
But the trip could not be postponed. Bolshevism, with its,
for us, inevitably fatal consequences was on the verge of reassuming control. Several small detachments of officers, volunteers from the White Army which was being organized on the Don, had already been sent to Odessa to protect the inhabitants and maintain order ; and another such small detachment had been dispatched north to defend a large junction station, Razdelnaya, towards which were marching the bands of the Ukrainian Petlura.
We were assigned a special carriage in which we were to make the entire trip to Rumania. The two officers travelled with us and also an elderly maid, whom I had engaged a few days before our departure.
Everything went well for the first sixty or seventy miles. Then, reaching Razdelnaya, we plunged unexpectedly into an atmosphere of war.
It appeared that Petlura was much stronger than had been expected. His bands had crushed the small detachment of officers and forced them to retreat to Razdelnaya, this very town. Petlura pressed his advantage closely, and was still advancing.
( pages 379 - 380 )