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This extremely brief chapter abruptly jolts Robert Jordan from his
lover/philosopher role and returns him to being a man of action.
His third day in the mountains begins early and dramatically.
While still in the sleeping robe with Maria, he hears a horseman
approaching. He waits. When the man comes into view, Jordan sees
from his uniform that he\'s an enemy soldier and fires at him.
The slain cavalryman is probably part of a random patrol, but this
means the enemy is in the area. Everyone is aroused instantly.
Now, perhaps predictably, the old Jordan takes over. Maria has \"no
place in his life now.\" He is once again the trained, efficient,
deadly partizan, fighting for... what? This is a good place for you to
attempt an answer. Answer first for yourself; then answer as Jordan
might have at this point in the story. But keep in mind that a few
hours ago Maria was \"all of life\" to Robert Jordan, instead of
having no place in it. Now when she wants to be with him, he orders
her back. Robert Jordan is pure soldier at this point. He takes
charge, orders the submachine gun to be set up on the hill, and
gives instructions on its correct positioning and use. If the
cavalryman is missed and if others follow his horse tracks (there\'s
still enough snow on the ground), the guerrillas may have to make a
stand. If this happens, it will likely ruin the bridge operation
before it gets started. The enemy isn\'t supposed to know they\'re in
the area until after the bridge has been destroyed.
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