"No，bwother，Ihavegwownmustachesmyself，"saidDenisovonreadingthesedocuments，andhewrotetotheGermanthat，despitehisheartfeltdesiretoserveundersovaliantandrenownedageneral，hehadtoforgothatpleasurebecausehewasalreadyunderthecommandofthePolishgeneral。TothePolishgeneralherepliedtothesameeffect，informinghimthathewasalreadyunderthecommandoftheGerman。
　　Havingarrangedmattersthus，DenisovandDolokhovintended，withoutreportingmatterstothehighercommand，toattackandseizethatconvoywiththeirownsmallforces。OnOctober22itwasmovingfromthevillageofMikulinotothatofShamshevo。TotheleftoftheroadbetweenMikulinoandShamshevotherewerelargeforests，extendinginsomeplacesuptotheroaditselfthoughinothersamileormorebackfromit。ThroughtheseforestsDenisovandhispartyrodeallday，sometimeskeepingwellbackinthemandsometimescomingtotheveryedge，butneverlosingsightofthemovingFrench。Thatmorning，CossacksofDenisov’spartyhadseizedandcarriedoffintotheforesttwowagonsloadedwithcavalrysaddles，whichhadstuckinthemudnotfarfromMikulinowheretheforestranclosetotheroad。Sincethen，anduntilevening，thepartyhadthemovementsoftheFrenchwithoutattacking。ItwasnecessarytolettheFrenchreachShamshevoquietlywithoutalarmingthemandthen，afterjoiningDolokhovwhowastocomethateveningtoaconsultationatawatchman’shutintheforestlessthanamilefromShamshevo，tosurprisetheFrenchatdawn，fallinglikeanavalancheontheirheadsfromtwosides，androutandcapturethemallatoneblow。
　　Intheirrear，morethanamilefromMikulinowheretheforestcamerightuptotheroad，sixCossackswerepostedtoreportifanyfreshcolumnsofFrenchshouldshowthemselves。
　　BeyondShamshevo，Dolokhovwastoobservetheroadinthesameway，tofindoutatwhatdistancetherewereotherFrenchtroops。Theyreckonedthattheconvoyhadfifteenhundredmen。Denisovhadtwohundred，andDolokhovmighthaveasmanymore，butthedisparityofnumbersdidnotdeterDenisov。Allthathenowwantedtoknowwaswhattroopsthesewereandtolearnthathehadtocapturea"tongue"—thatis，amanfromtheenemycolumn。Thatmorning’sattackonthewagonshadbeenmadesohastilythattheFrenchmenwiththewagonshadallbeenkilled；onlyalittledrummerboyhadbeentakenalive，andashewasastragglerhecouldtellthemnothingdefiniteaboutthetroopsinthatcolumn。
　　Denisovconsidereditdangeroustomakeasecondattackforfearofputtingthewholecolumnonthealert，sohesentTikhonShcherbaty，apeasantofhisparty，toShamshevototryandseizeatleastoneoftheFrenchquartermasterswhohadbeensentoninadvance。
　　BK14CH4
　　CHAPTERIV
　　Itwasawarmrainyautumnday。Theskyandthehorizonwereboththecolorofmuddywater。Attimesasortofmistdescended，andthensuddenlyheavyslantingraincamedown。
　　Denisovinafeltcloakandasheepskincapfromwhichtherainrandownwasridingathinthoroughbredhorsewithsunkensides。
　　Likehishorse，whichturneditsheadandlaiditsearsback，heshrankfromthedrivingrainandgazedanxiouslybeforehim。Histhinfacewithitsshort，thickblackbeardlookedangry。
　　BesideDenisovrodeanesaul，*Denisov’sfellowworker，alsoinfeltcloakandsheepskincap，andridingalargesleekDonhorse。
　　*AcaptainofCossacks。
　　EsaulLovayskitheThirdwasatallmanasstraightasanarrow，pale—faced，fair—haired，withnarrowlighteyesandwithcalmself—satisfactioninhisfaceandbearing。Thoughitwasimpossibletosayinwhatthepeculiarityofthehorseandriderlay，yetatfirstglanceattheesaulandDenisovonesawthatthelatterwaswetanduncomfortableandwasamanmountedonahorse，whilelookingattheesaulonesawthathewasascomfortableandasmuchateaseasalwaysandthathewasnotamanwhohadmountedahorse，butamanwhowasonewithhishorse，abeingconsequentlypossessedoftwofoldstrength。
　　Alittleaheadofthemwalkedapeasantguide，wettotheskinandwearingagraypeasantcoatandawhiteknittedcap。
　　Alittlebehind，onapoor，small，leanKirghizmountwithanenormoustailandmaneandableedingmouth，rodeayoungofficerinablueFrenchovercoat。
　　Besidehimrodeanhussar，withaboyinatatteredFrenchuniformandbluecapbehindhimonthecrupperofhishorse。Theboyheldontothehussarwithcold，redhands，andraisinghiseyebrowsgazedabouthimwithsurprise。ThiswastheFrenchdrummerboycapturedthatmorning。
　　Behindthemalongthenarrow，sodden，cutupforestroadcamehussarsinthreesandfours，andthenCossacks：someinfeltcloaks，someinFrenchgreatcoats，andsomewithhorseclothsovertheirheads。Thehorses，beingdrenchedbytherain，alllookedblackwhetherchestnutorbay。Theirnecks，withtheirwet，close—clingingmanes，lookedstrangelythin。Steamrosefromthem。Clothes，saddles，reins，wereallwet，slippery，andsodden，likethegroundandthefallenleavesthatstrewedtheroad。Themensathuddleduptryingnottostir，soastowarmthewaterthathadtrickledtotheirbodiesandnotadmitthefreshcoldwaterthatwasleakinginundertheirseats，theirknees，andatthebackoftheirnecks。InthemidstoftheoutspreadlineofCossackstwowagons，drawnbyFrenchhorsesandbysaddledCossackhorsesthathadbeenhitchedoninfront，rumbledoverthetreestumpsandbranchesandsplashedthroughthewaterthatlayintheruts。
　　Denisov’shorseswervedasidetoavoidapoolinthetrackandbumpedhisrider’skneeagainstatree。
　　"Oh，thedevil！"exclaimedDenisovangrily，andshowinghisteethhestruckhishorsethreetimeswithhiswhip，splashinghimselfandhiscomradeswithmud。
　　Denisovwasoutofsortsbothbecauseoftherainandalsofromhungernoneofthemhadeatenanythingsincemorning，andyetmorebecausehestillhadnonewsfromDolokhovandthemansenttocapturea"tongue"hadnotreturned。
　　"There’llhardlybeanothersuchchancetofallonatransportastoday。It’stooriskytoattackthembyoneself，andifweputitofftillanotherdayoneofthebigguerrilladetachmentswillsnatchthepreyfromunderournoses，"thoughtDenisov，continuallypeeringforward，hopingtoseeamessengerfromDolokhov。
　　Oncomingtoapathintheforestalongwhichhecouldseefartotheright，Denisovstopped。
　　"There’ssomeonecoming，"saidhe。
　　TheesaullookedinthedirectionDenisovindicated。
　　"Therearetwo，anofficerandaCossack。Butitisnotpresupposablethatitisthelieutenantcolonelhimself，"saidtheesaul，whowasfondofusingwordstheCossacksdidnotknow。
　　Theapproachingridershavingdescendedadeclinewerenolongervisible，buttheyreappearedafewminuteslater。Infront，atawearygallopandusinghisleatherwhip，rodeanofficer，disheveledanddrenched，whosetrousershadworkeduptoabovehisknees。Behindhim，standinginthestirrups，trottedaCossack。Theofficer，averyyoungladwithabroadrosyfaceandkeenmerryeyes，gallopeduptoDenisovandhandedhimasoddenenvelope。
　　"Fromthegeneral，"saidtheofficer。"Pleaseexcuseitsnotbeingquitedry。"
　　Denisov，frowning，tooktheenvelopeandopenedit。
　　"There，theykepttellingus：’It’sdangerous，it’sdangerous，’"
　　saidtheofficer，addressingtheesaulwhileDenisovwasreadingthedispatch。"ButKomarovandI"—hepointedtotheCossack—"wereprepared。Wehaveeachofustwopistols……Butwhat’sthis？"heasked，noticingtheFrenchdrummerboy。"Aprisoner？You’vealreadybeeninaction？MayIspeaktohim？"
　　"Wostov！Petya！"exclaimedDenisov，havingrunthroughthedispatch。
　　"Whydidn’tyousaywhoyouwere？"andturningwithasmileheheldouthishandtothelad。
　　TheofficerwasPetyaRostov。
　　AllthewayPetyahadbeenpreparinghimselftobehavewithDenisovasbefittedagrownupmanandanofficer—withouthintingattheirpreviousacquaintance。ButassoonasDenisovsmiledathimPetyabrightenedup，blushedwithpleasure，forgottheofficialmannerhehadbeenrehearsing，andbegantellinghimhowhehadalreadybeeninabattlenearVyazmaandhowacertainhussarhaddistinguishedhimselfthere。
　　"Well，Iamgladtoseeyou，"Denisovinterruptedhim，andhisfaceagainassumeditsanxiousexpression。
　　"MichaelFeoklitych，"saidhetotheesaul，"thisisagainfwomthatGerman，youknow。He"—heindicatedPetya—"isservingunderhim。"
　　AndDenisovtoldtheesaulthatthedispatchjustdeliveredwasarepetitionoftheGermangeneral’sdemandthatheshouldjoinforceswithhimforanattackonthetransport。
　　"Ifwedon’ttakeittomowwow，he’llsnatchitfwomunderournoses，"headded。
　　WhileDenisovwastalkingtotheesaul，Petya—abashedbyDenisov’scoldtoneandsupposingthatitwasduetotheconditionofhistrousers—furtivelytriedtopullthemdownunderhisgreatcoatsothatnooneshouldnoticeit，whilemaintainingasmartialanairaspossible。
　　"Willtherebeanyorders，yourhonor？"heaskedDenisov，holdinghishandatthesaluteandresumingthegameofadjutantandgeneralforwhichhehadpreparedhimself，"orshallIremainwithyourhonor？"
　　"Orders？"Denisovrepeatedthoughtfully。"Butcanyoustaytilltomowwow？"
　　"Oh，please……MayIstaywithyou？"criedPetya。
　　"But，justwhatdidthegenewaltellyou？Toweturnatonce？"
　　askedDenisov。
　　Petyablushed。
　　"Hegavemenoinstructions。IthinkIcould？"hereturned，inquiringly。
　　"Well，allwight，"saidDenisov。
　　Andturningtohismenhedirectedapartytogoontothehaltingplacearrangednearthewatchman’shutintheforest，andtoldtheofficerontheKirghizhorsewhoperformedthedutiesofanadjutant
　　togoandfindoutwhereDolokhovwasandwhetherhewouldcomethatevening。DenisovhimselfintendedgoingwiththeesaulandPetyatotheedgeoftheforestwhereitreachedouttoShamshevo，tohavealookatthepartoftheFrenchbivouactheyweretoattacknextday。
　　"Well，oldfellow，"saidhetothepeasantguide，"leadustoShamshevo。"
　　Denisov，Petya，andtheesaul，accompaniedbysomeCossacksandthehussarwhohadtheprisoner，rodetotheleftacrossaravinetotheedgeoftheforest。
　　BK14CH5
　　CHAPTERV
　　Therainhadstopped，andonlythemistwasfallinganddropsfromthetrees。Denisov，theesaul，andPetyarodesilently，followingthepeasantintheknittedcapwho，steppinglightlywithoutturnedtoesandmovingnoiselesslyinhisbastshoesovertherootsandwetleaves，silentlyledthemtotheedgeoftheforest。
　　Heascendedanincline，stopped，lookedabouthim，andadvancedtowherethescreenoftreeswaslessdense。Onreachingalargeoaktreethathadnotyetsheditsleaves，hestoppedandbeckonedmysteriouslytothemwithhishand。
　　DenisovandPetyarodeuptohim。FromthespotwherethepeasantwasstandingtheycouldseetheFrench。Immediatelybeyondtheforest，onadownwardslope，layafieldofspringrye。Totheright，beyondasteepravine，wasasmallvillageandalandowner’shousewithabrokenroof。Inthevillage，inthehouse，inthegarden，bythewell，bythepond，overalltherisingground，andallalongtheroaduphillfromthebridgeleadingtothevillage，notmorethanfivehundredyardsaway，crowdsofmencouldbeseenthroughtheshimmeringmist。
　　Theirun—Russianshoutingattheirhorseswhichwerestraininguphillwiththecarts，andtheircallstooneanother，couldbeclearlyheard。
　　"Bwingtheprisonerhere，"saidDenisovinalowvoice，nottakinghiseyesofftheFrench。
　　ACossackdismounted，liftedtheboydown，andtookhimtoDenisov。PointingtotheFrenchtroops，Denisovaskedhimwhattheseandthoseofthemwere。Theboy，thrustinghiscoldhandsintohispocketsandliftinghiseyebrows，lookedatDenisovinaffright，butinspiteofanevidentdesiretosayallheknewgaveconfusedanswers，merelyassentingtoeverythingDenisovaskedhim。Denisovturnedawayfromhimfrowningandaddressedtheesaul，conveyinghisownconjecturestohim。
　　Petya，rapidlyturninghishead，lookednowatthedrummerboy，nowatDenisov，nowattheesaul，andnowattheFrenchinthevillageandalongtheroad，tryingnottomissanythingofimportance。
　　"WhetherDolokhovcomesornot，wemustseizeit，eh？"saidDenisovwithamerrysparkleinhiseyes。
　　"Itisaverysuitablespot，"saidtheesaul。
　　"We’llsendtheinfantwydownbytheswamps，"Denisovcontinued。
　　"They’llcweepuptothegarden；you’llwideupfwomtherewiththeCossacks"—hepointedtoaspotintheforestbeyondthevillage—"andIwithmyhussarsfwomhere。Andatthesignalshot……"
　　"Thehollowisimpassable—there’saswampthere，"saidtheesaul。
　　"Thehorseswouldsink。Wemustrideroundmoretotheleft……"
　　Whiletheyweretalkinginundertonesthecrackofashotsoundedfromthelowgroundbythepond，apuffofwhitesmokeappeared，thenanother，andthesoundofhundredsofseeminglymerryFrenchvoicesshoutingtogethercameupfromtheslope。ForamomentDenisovandtheesauldrewback。Theyweresonearthattheythoughttheywerethecauseofthefiringandshouting。Butthefiringandshoutingdidnotrelatetothem。Downbelow，amanwearingsomethingredwasrunningthroughthemarsh。TheFrenchwereevidentlyfiringandshoutingathim。
　　"Why，that’sourTikhon，"saidtheesaul。
　　"Soitis！Itis！"
　　"Thewascal！"saidDenisov。
　　"He’llgetaway！"saidtheesaul，screwinguphiseyes。
　　ThemanwhomtheycalledTikhon，havingruntothestream，plungedinsothatthewatersplashedintheair，and，havingdisappearedforaninstant，scrambledoutonallfours，allblackwiththewet，andranon。TheFrenchwhohadbeenpursuinghimstopped。
　　"Smart，that！"saidtheesaul。
　　"Whatabeast！"saidDenisovwithhisformerlookofvexation。"Whathashebeendoingallthistime？"
　　"Whoishe？"askedPetya。
　　"He’sourplastun。Isenthimtocapturea’tongue。’"
　　"Oh，yes，"saidPetya，noddingatthefirstwordsDenisovutteredasifheunderstooditall，thoughhereallydidnotunderstandanythingofit。
　　TikhonShcherbatywasoneofthemostindispensablemenintheirband。HewasapeasantfromPokrovsk，neartheriverGzhat。WhenDenisovhadcometoPokrovskatthebeginningofhisoperationsandhadasusualsummonedthevillageelderandaskedhimwhatheknewabouttheFrench，theelder，asthoughshieldinghimself，hadreplied，asallvillageeldersdid，thathehadneitherseennorheardanythingofthem。ButwhenDenisovexplainedthathispurposewastokilltheFrench，andaskedifnoFrenchhadstrayedthatway，theelderrepliedthatsome"more—orderers"hadreallybeenattheirvillage，butthatTikhonShcherbatywastheonlymanwhodealtwithsuchmatters。
　　DenisovhadTikhoncalledand，havingpraisedhimforhisactivity，saidafewwordsintheelder’spresenceaboutloyaltytotheTsarandthecountryandthehatredoftheFrenchthatallsonsofthefatherlandshouldcherish。
　　"Wedon’tdotheFrenchanyharm，"saidTikhon，evidentlyfrightenedbyDenisov’swords。"Weonlyfooledaboutwiththeladsforfun，youknow！Wekilledascoreorsoof’more—orderers，’butwedidnoharmelse……"
　　NextdaywhenDenisovhadleftPokrovsk，havingquiteforgottenaboutthispeasant，itwasreportedtohimthatTikhonhadattachedhimselftotheirpartyandaskedtobeallowedtoremainwithit。
　　Denisovgaveorderstolethimdoso。
　　Tikhon，whoatfirstdidroughwork，layingcampfires，fetchingwater，flayingdeadhorses，andsoon，soonshowedagreatlikingandaptitudeforpartisanwarfare。AtnighthewouldgooutforbootyandalwaysbroughtbackFrenchclothingandweapons，andwhentoldtowouldbringinFrenchcaptivesalso。DenisovthenrelievedhimfromdrudgeryandbegantakinghimwithhimwhenhewentoutonexpeditionsandhadhimenrolledamongtheCossacks。
　　Tikhondidnotlikeriding，andalwayswentonfoot，neverlaggingbehindthecavalry。Hewasarmedwithamusketoonwhichhecarriedratherasajoke，apikeandanax，whichlatterheusedasawolfusesitsteeth，withequalcasepickingfleasoutofitsfurorcrunchingthickbones。Tikhonwithequalaccuracywouldsplitlogswithblowsatarm’slength，orholdingtheheadoftheaxwouldcutthinlittlepegsorcarvespoons。InDenisov’spartyheheldapeculiarandexceptionalposition。Whenanythingparticularlydifficultornastyhadtobedone—topushacartoutofthemudwithone’sshoulders，pullahorseoutofaswampbyitstail，skinit，slinkinamongtheFrench，orwalkmorethanthirtymilesinaday—everybodypointedlaughinglyatTikhon。
　　"Itwon’thurtthatdevil—he’sasstrongasahorse！"theysaidofhim。
　　OnceaFrenchmanTikhonwastryingtocapturefiredapistolathimandshothiminthefleshypartoftheback。ThatwoundwhichTikhontreatedonlywithinternalandexternalapplicationsofvodkawasthesubjectoftheliveliestjokesbythewholedetachment—
　　jokesinwhichTikhonreadilyjoined。
　　"Hallo，mate！Neveragain？Gaveyouatwist？"theCossackswouldbanterhim。AndTikhon，purposelywrithingandmakingfaces，pretendedtobeangryandsworeattheFrenchwiththefunniestcurses。TheonlyeffectofthisincidentonTikhonwasthatafterbeingwoundedheseldombroughtinprisoners。
　　Hewasthebravestandmostusefulmanintheparty。Noonefoundmoreopportunitiesforattacking，noonecapturedorkilledmoreFrenchmen，andconsequentlyhewasmadethebuffoonofalltheCossacksandhussarsandwillinglyacceptedthatrole。NowhehadbeensentbyDenisovovernighttoShamshevotocapturea"tongue。"ButwhetherbecausehehadnotbeencontenttotakeonlyoneFrenchmanorbecausehehadsleptthroughthenight，hehadcreptbydayintosomebushesrightamongtheFrenchand，asDenisovhadwitnessedfromabove，hadbeendetectedbythem。
　　BK14CH6
　　CHAPTERVI
　　Aftertalkingforsometimewiththeesaulaboutnextday’sattack，whichnow，seeinghowneartheyweretotheFrench，heseemedtohavedefinitelydecidedon，Denisovturnedhishorseandrodeback。
　　"Now，mylad，we’llgoandgetdwy，"hesaidtoPetya。
　　AstheyapproachedthewatchhouseDenisovstopped，peeringintotheforest。Amongthetreesamanwithlonglegsandlong，swingingarms，wearingashortjacket，bastshoes，andaKazanhat，wasapproachingwithlong，lightsteps。Hehadamusketoonoverhisshoulderandanaxstuckinhisgirdle。WhenheespiedDenisovhehastilythrewsomethingintothebushes，removedhissoddenhatbyitsfloppybrim，andapproachedhiscommander。ItwasTikhon。Hiswrinkledandpockmarkedfaceandnarrowlittleeyesbeamedwithself—satisfiedmerriment。HeliftedhisheadhighandgazedatDenisovasifrepressingalaugh。
　　"Well，wheredidyoudisappearto？"inquiredDenisov。
　　"WheredidIdisappearto？IwenttogetFrenchmen，"answeredTikhonboldlyandhurriedly，inahuskybutmelodiousbassvoice。
　　"Whydidyoupushyourselfintherebydaylight？Youass！Well，whyhaven’tyoutakenone？"
　　"Oh，Itookoneallright，"saidTikhon。
　　"Whereishe？"
　　"Yousee，Itookhimfirstthingatdawn，"Tikhoncontinued，spreadingouthisflatfeetwithoutturnedtoesintheirbastshoes。
　　"Itookhimintotheforest。ThenIseehe’snogoodandthinkI’llgoandfetchalikelierone。"
　　"Yousee？……Whatawogue—it’sjustasIthought，"saidDenisovtotheesaul。"Whydidn’tyoubwingthatone？"
　　"Whatwasthegoodofbringinghim？"Tikhoninterruptedhastilyandangrily—"thatonewouldn’thavedoneforyou。AsifIdon’tknowwhatsortyouwant！"
　　"Whatabwuteyouare！……Well？"
　　"Iwentforanotherone，"Tikhoncontinued，"andIcreptlikethisthroughthewoodandlaydown。"Hesuddenlylaydownonhisstomachwithasupplemovementtoshowhowhehaddoneit。"OneturnedupandIgrabbedhim，likethis。"Hejumpedupquicklyandlightly。
　　"’Comealongtothecolonel，’Isaid。Hestartsyelling，andsuddenlytherewerefourofthem。Theyrushedatmewiththeirlittleswords。SoIwentforthemwithmyax，thisway：’Whatareyouupto？’saysI。’Christbewithyou！’"shoutedTikhon，wavinghisarmswithanangryscowlandthrowingouthischest。
　　"Yes，wesawfromthehillhowyoutooktoyourheelsthroughthepuddles！"saidtheesaul，screwinguphisglitteringeyes。
　　Petyabadlywantedtolaugh，butnoticedthattheyallrefrainedfromlaughing。HeturnedhiseyesrapidlyfromTikhon’sfacetotheesaul’sandDenisov’s，unabletomakeoutwhatitallmeant。
　　"Don’tplaythefool！"saidDenisov，coughingangrily。"Whydidn’tyoubwingthefirstone？"
　　Tikhonscratchedhisbackwithonehandandhisheadwiththeother，thensuddenlyhiswholefaceexpandedintoabeaming，foolishgrin，disclosingagapwherehehadlostatooththatwaswhyhewascalledShcherbaty—thegap—toothed。Denisovsmiled，andPetyaburstintoapealofmerrylaughterinwhichTikhonhimselfjoined。
　　"Oh，buthewasaregulargood—for—nothing，"saidTikhon。"Theclothesonhim—poorstuff！HowcouldIbringhim？Andsorude，yourhonor！Why，hesays：’I’mageneral’ssonmyself，Iwon’tgo！’hesays。"
　　"Youareabwute！"saidDenisov。"Iwantedtoquestion……"
　　"ButIquestionedhim，"saidTikhon。"Hesaidhedidn’tknowmuch。
　　’Therearealotofus，’hesays，’butallpoorstuff—onlysoldiersinname，’hesays。’Shoutloudatthem，’hesays，’andyou’lltakethemall，’"Tikhonconcluded，lookingcheerfullyandresolutelyintoDenisov’seyes。
　　"I’llgiveyouahundwedsharplashes—that’llteachyoutoplaythefool！"saidDenisovseverely。
　　"Butwhyareyouangry？"remonstratedTikhon，"justasifI’dneverseenyourFrenchmen！OnlywaittillitgetsdarkandI’llfetchyouanyofthemyouwant—threeifyoulike。"
　　"Well，let’sgo，"saidDenisov，androdeallthewaytothewatchhouseinsilenceandfrowningangrily。
　　TikhonfollowedbehindandPetyaheardtheCossackslaughingwithhimandathim，aboutsomepairofbootshehadthrownintothebushes。
　　WhenthefitoflaughterthathadseizedhimatTikhon’swordsandsmilehadpassedandPetyarealizedforamomentthatthisTikhonhadkilledaman，hefeltuneasy。Helookedroundatthecaptivedrummerboyandfeltapanginhisheart。Butthisuneasinesslastedonlyamoment。Hefeltitnecessarytoholdhisheadhigher，tobracehimself，andtoquestiontheesaulwithanairofimportanceabouttomorrow’sundertaking，thathemightnotbeunworthyofthecompanyinwhichhefoundhimself。
　　TheofficerwhohadbeensenttoinquiremetDenisovonthewaywiththenewsthatDolokhovwassooncomingandthatallwaswellwithhim。
　　Denisovatoncecheeredupand，callingPetyatohim，said："Well，tellmeaboutyourself。"
　　BK14CH7
　　CHAPTERVII
　　Petya，havinglefthispeopleaftertheirdeparturefromMoscow，joinedhisregimentandwassoontakenasorderlybyageneralcommandingalargeguerrilladetachment。Fromthetimehereceivedhiscommission，andespeciallysincehehadjoinedtheactivearmyandtakenpartinthebattleofVyazma，Petyahadbeeninaconstantstateofblissfulexcitementatbeinggrown—upandinaperpetualecstatichurrynottomissanychancetodosomethingreallyheroic。Hewashighlydelightedwithwhathesawandexperiencedinthearmy，butatthesametimeitalwaysseemedtohimthatthereallyheroicexploitswerebeingperformedjustwherehedidnothappentobe。
　　Andhewasalwaysinahurrytogetwherehewasnot。
　　Whenonthetwenty—firstofOctoberhisgeneralexpressedawishtosendsomebodytoDenisov’sdetachment，Petyabeggedsopiteouslytobesentthatthegeneralcouldnotrefuse。ButwhendispatchinghimherecalledPetya’smadactionatthebattleofVyazma，whereinsteadofridingbytheroadtotheplacetowhichhehadbeensent，hehadgallopedtotheadvancedlineunderthefireoftheFrenchandhadtheretwicefiredhispistol。SonowthegeneralexplicitlyforbadehistakingpartinanyactionwhateverofDenisov’s。ThatwaswhyPetyahadblushedandgrownconfusedwhenDenisovaskedhimwhetherhecouldstay。BeforetheyhadriddentotheoutskirtsoftheforestPetyahadconsideredhemustcarryouthisinstructionsstrictlyandreturnatonce。ButwhenhesawtheFrenchandsawTikhonandlearnedthattherewouldcertainlybeanattackthatnight，hedecided，withtherapiditywithwhichyoungpeoplechangetheirviews，thatthegeneral，whomhehadgreatlyrespectedtillthen，wasarubbishyGerman，thatDenisovwasahero，theesaulahero，andTikhonaherotoo，andthatitwouldbeshamefulforhimtoleavethematamomentofdifficulty。
　　ItwasalreadygrowingduskwhenDenisov，Petya，andtheesaulrodeuptothewatchhouse。Inthetwilightsaddledhorsescouldbeseen，andCossacksandhussarswhohadriggeduproughsheltersinthegladeandwerekindlingglowingfiresinahollowoftheforestwheretheFrenchcouldnotseethesmoke。InthepassageofthesmallwatchhouseaCossackwithsleevesrolledupwaschoppingsomemutton。IntheroomthreeofficersofDenisov’sbandwereconvertingadoorintoatabletop。Petyatookoffhiswetclothes，gavethemtobedried，andatoncebeganhelpingtheofficerstofixupthedinnertable。
　　Intenminutesthetablewasreadyandanapkinspreadonit。Onthetablewerevodka，aflaskofrum，whitebread，roastmutton，andsalt。
　　Sittingattablewiththeofficersandtearingthefatsavorymuttonwithhishands，downwhichthegreasetrickled，Petyawasinanecstaticchildishstateofloveforallmen，andconsequentlyofconfidencethatotherslovedhiminthesameway。
　　"Sothenwhatdoyouthink，VasiliDmitrich？"saidhetoDenisov。
　　"It’sallrightmystayingadaywithyou？"Andnotwaitingforareplyheansweredhisownquestion："YouseeIwastoldtofindout—
　　well，Iamfindingout……Onlydoletmeintothevery……intothechief……Idon’twantareward……ButIwant……"
　　Petyaclenchedhisteethandlookedaround，throwingbackhisheadandflourishinghisarms。
　　"Intothevewychief……"Denisovrepeatedwithasmile。
　　"Only，pleaseletmecommandsomething，sothatImayreallycommand……"Petyawenton。"Whatwoulditbetoyou？……Oh，youwantaknife？"hesaid，turningtoanofficerwhowishedtocuthimselfapieceofmutton。
　　Andhehandedhimhisclaspknife。Theofficeradmiredit。
　　"Pleasekeepit。Ihaveseverallikeit，"saidPetya，blushing。
　　"Heavens！Iwasquiteforgetting！"hesuddenlycried。"Ihavesomeraisins，fineones；youknow，seedlessones。Wehaveanewsutlerandhehassuchcapitalthings。Iboughttenpounds。Iamusedtosomethingsweet。Wouldyoulikesome？……"andPetyaranoutintothepassagetohisCossackandbroughtbacksomebagswhichcontainedaboutfivepoundsofraisins。"Havesome，gentlemen，havesome！"
　　"Youwantacoffeepot，don’tyou？"heaskedtheesaul。"Iboughtacapitalonefromoursutler！Hehassplendidthings。Andhe’sveryhonest，that’sthechiefthing。I’llbesuretosendittoyou。Orperhapsyourflintsaregivingout，orarewornout—thathappenssometimes，youknow。Ihavebroughtsomewithme，heretheyare"—
　　andheshowedabag—"ahundredflints。Iboughtthemverycheap。
　　Pleasetakeasmanyasyouwant，orallifyoulike……"
　　Thensuddenly，dismayedlesthehadsaidtoomuch，Petyastoppedandblushed。
　　Hetriedtorememberwhetherhehadnotdoneanythingelsethatwasfoolish。AndrunningovertheeventsofthedayherememberedtheFrenchdrummerboy。"It’scapitalforushere，butwhatofhim？
　　Wherehavetheyputhim？Havetheyfedhim？Haven’ttheyhurthisfeelings？"hethought。Buthavingcaughthimselfsayingtoomuchabouttheflints，hewasnowafraidtospeakout。
　　"Imightask，"hethought，"butthey’llsay：’He’saboyhimselfandsohepitiestheboy。’I’llshowthemtomorrowwhetherI’maboy。WillitseemoddifIask？"Petyathought。"Well，nevermind！"andimmediately，blushingandlookinganxiouslyattheofficerstoseeiftheyappearedironical，hesaid：
　　"MayIcallinthatboywhowastakenprisonerandgivehimsomethingtoeat？……Perhaps……"
　　"Yes，he’sapoorlittlefellow，"saidDenisov，whoevidentlysawnothingshamefulinthisreminder。"Callhimin。HisnameisVincentBosse。Havehimfetched。"
　　"I’llcallhim，"saidPetya。
　　"Yes，yes，callhim。Apoorlittlefellow，"Denisovrepeated。
　　PetyawasstandingatthedoorwhenDenisovsaidthis。Heslippedinbetweentheofficers，cameclosetoDenisov，andsaid：
　　"Letmekissyou，dearoldfellow！Oh，howfine，howsplendid！"
　　AndhavingkissedDenisovheranoutofthehut。
　　"Bosse！Vincent！"Petyacried，stoppingoutsidethedoor。
　　"Whodoyouwant，sir？"askedavoiceinthedarkness。
　　PetyarepliedthathewantedtheFrenchladwhohadbeencapturedthatday。
　　"Ah，Vesenny？"saidaCossack。
　　Vincent，theboy’sname，hadalreadybeenchangedbytheCossacksintoVesennyvernalandintoVesenyabythepeasantsandsoldiers。
　　Inboththeseadaptationsthereferencetospringvesnamatchedtheimpressionmadebytheyounglad。
　　"Heiswarminghimselftherebythebonfire。Ho，Vesenya！
　　Vesenya！—Vesenny！"laughingvoiceswereheardcallingtooneanotherinthedarkness。
　　"He’sasmartlad，"saidanhussarstandingnearPetya。"Wegavehimsomethingtoeatawhileago。Hewasawfullyhungry！"
　　Thesoundofbarefeetsplashingthroughthemudwasheardinthedarkness，andthedrummerboycametothedoor。
　　"Ah，c’estvous！"saidPetya。"Voulez—vousmanger？N’ayezpaspeur，onnevousferapasdemal，"*headdedshylyandaffectionately，touchingtheboy’shand。"Entrez，entrez。"*[2]
　　*"Ah，it’syou！Doyouwantsomethingtoeat？Don’tbeafraid，theywon’thurtyou。"
　　*[2]"Comein，comein。"
　　"Merci，monsieur，"*saidthedrummerboyinatremblingalmostchildishvoice，andhebeganscrapinghisdirtyfeetonthethreshold。
　　*"Thankyou，sir。"
　　ThereweremanythingsPetyawantedtosaytothedrummerboy，butdidnotdareto。Hestoodirresolutelybesidehiminthepassage。Theninthedarknesshetooktheboy’shandandpressedit。
　　"Comein，comein！"herepeatedinagentlewhisper。"Oh，whatcanI
　　doforhim？"hethought，andopeningthedoorhelettheboypassinfirst。
　　Whentheboyhadenteredthehut，Petyasatdownatadistancefromhim，consideringitbeneathhisdignitytopayattentiontohim。Buthefingeredthemoneyinhispocketandwonderedwhetheritwouldseemridiculoustogivesometothedrummerboy。
　　BK14CH8
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　ThearrivalofDolokhovdivertedPetya’sattentionfromthedrummerboy，towhomDenisovhadhadsomemuttonandvodkagiven，andwhomhehadhaddressedinaRussiancoatsothathemightbekeptwiththeirbandandnotsentawaywiththeotherprisoners。PetyahadheardinthearmymanystoriesofDolokhov’sextraordinarybraveryandofhiscrueltytotheFrench，sofromthemomentheenteredthehutPetyadidnottakehiseyesfromhim，butbracedhimselfupmoreandmoreandheldhisheadhigh，thathemightnotbeunworthyevenofsuchcompany。
　　Dolokhov’sappearanceamazedPetyabyitssimplicity。
　　DenisovworeaCossackcoat，hadabeard，hadaniconofNicholastheWonder—Workeronhisbreast，andhiswayofspeakingandeverythinghedidindicatedhisunusualposition。ButDolokhov，whoinMoscowhadwornaPersiancostume，hadnowtheappearanceofamostcorrectofficeroftheGuards。Hewasclean—shavenandworeaGuardsman’spaddedcoatwithanOrderofSt。Georgeathisbuttonholeandaplainforagecapsetstraightonhishead。Hetookoffhiswetfeltcloakinacorneroftheroom，andwithoutgreetinganyonewentuptoDenisovandbeganquestioninghimaboutthematterinhand。Denisovtoldhimofthedesignsthelargedetachmentshadonthetransport，ofthemessagePetyahadbrought，andhisownrepliestobothgenerals。ThenhetoldhimallheknewoftheFrenchdetachment。
　　"That’sso。Butwemustknowwhattroopstheyareandtheirnumbers，"saidDolokhov。"Itwillbenecessarytogothere。Wecan’tstarttheaffairwithoutknowingforcertainhowmanythereare。I
　　liketoworkaccurately。Herenow—wouldn’toneofthesegentlemenliketorideovertotheFrenchcampwithme？Ihavebroughtaspareuniform。"
　　"I，I……I’llgowithyou！"criedPetya。
　　"There’snoneedforyoutogoatall，"saidDenisov，addressingDolokhov，"andasforhim，Iwon’tlethimgoonanyaccount。"
　　"Ilikethat！"exclaimedPetya。"Whyshouldn’tIgo？"
　　"Becauseit’suseless。"
　　"Well，youmustexcuseme，because……because……Ishallgo，andthat’sall。You’lltakeme，won’tyou？"hesaid，turningtoDolokhov。
　　"Whynot？"Dolokhovansweredabsently，scrutinizingthefaceoftheFrenchdrummerboy。"Haveyouhadthatyoungsterwithyoulong？"
　　heaskedDenisov。
　　"Hewastakentodaybutheknowsnothing。I’mkeepinghimwithme。"
　　"Yes，andwheredoyouputtheothers？"inquiredDolokhov。
　　"Where？Isendthemawayandtakeaweceiptforthem，"shoutedDenisov，suddenlyflushing。"AndIsayboldlythatIhavenotasingleman’slifeonmyconscience。Woulditbedifficultforyoutosendthirtyorthweehundwedmentotownunderescort，insteadofstaining—
　　Ispeakbluntly—stainingthehonorofasoldier？"
　　"Thatkindofamiabletalkwouldbesuitablefromthisyoungcountofsixteen，"saidDolokhovwithcoldirony，"butit’stimeforyoutodropit。"
　　"Why，I’venotsaidanything！IonlysaythatI’llcertainlygowithyou，"saidPetyashyly。
　　"Butforyouandme，oldfellow，it’stimetodroptheseamenities，"
　　continuedDolokhov，asifhefoundparticularpleasureinspeakingofthissubjectwhichirritatedDenisov。"Now，whyhaveyoukeptthislad？"hewenton，swayinghishead。"Becauseyouaresorryforhim！Don’tweknowthose’receipts’ofyours？Yousendahundredmenaway，andthirtygetthere。Theresteitherstarveorgetkilled。Soisn’titallthesamenottosendthem？"
　　Theesaul，screwinguphislight—coloredeyes，noddedapprovingly。
　　"That’snotthepoint。I’mnotgoingtodiscussthematter。Idonotwishtotakeitonmyconscience。Yousaythey’lldie。Allwight。Onlynotbymyfault！"
　　Dolokhovbeganlaughing。
　　"Whohastoldthemnottocapturemethesetwentytimesover？Butiftheydidcatchmethey’dstringmeuptoanaspentree，andwithallyourchivalryjustthesame。"Hepaused。"However，wemustgettowork。TelltheCossacktofetchmykit。IhavetwoFrenchuniformsinit。Well，areyoucomingwithme？"heaskedPetya。
　　"I？Yes，yes，certainly！"criedPetya，blushingalmosttotearsandglancingatDenisov。
　　WhileDolokhovhadbeendisputingwithDenisovwhatshouldbedonewithprisoners，Petyahadoncemorefeltawkwardandrestless；butagainhehadnotimetograspfullywhattheyweretalkingabout。
　　"Ifgrown—up，distinguishedmenthinkso，itmustbenecessaryandright，"thoughthe。"ButaboveallDenisovmustnotdaretoimaginethatI’llobeyhimandthathecanordermeabout。IwillcertainlygototheFrenchcampwithDolokhov。Ifhecan，socanI！"
　　AndtoallDenisov’spersuasions，Petyarepliedthathetoowasaccustomedtodoeverythingaccuratelyandnotjustanyhow，andthatheneverconsideredpersonaldanger。
　　"Foryou’lladmitthatifwedon’tknowforsurehowmanyofthemthereare……hundredsoflivesmaydependonit，whilethereareonlytwoofus。Besides，Iwanttogoverymuchandcertainlywillgo，sodon’thinderme，"saidhe。"Itwillonlymakethingsworse……"
　　BK14CH9
　　CHAPTERIX
　　HavingputonFrenchgreatcoatsandshakos，PetyaandDolokhovrodetotheclearingfromwhichDenisovhadreconnoiteredtheFrenchcamp，andemergingfromtheforestinpitchdarknesstheydescendedintothehollow。Onreachingthebottom，DolokhovtoldtheCossacksaccompanyinghimtoawaithimthereandrodeonataquicktrotalongtheroadtothebridge。Petya，hisheartinhismouthwithexcitement，rodebyhisside。
　　"Ifwe’recaught，Iwon’tbetakenalive！Ihaveapistol，"
　　whisperedhe。
　　"Don’ttalkRussian，"saidDolokhovinahurriedwhisper，andatthatverymomenttheyheardthroughthedarknessthechallenge："Quivive？"*andtheclickofamusket。
　　*"Whogoesthere？"
　　ThebloodrushedtoPetya’sfaceandhegraspedhispistol。
　　"Lanciersdu6—me，"*repliedDolokhov，neitherhasteningnorslackeninghishorse’space。
　　*"Lancersofthe6thRegiment。"
　　Theblackfigureofasentinelstoodonthebridge。
　　"Motd’ordre。"*
　　*"Password。"
　　Dolokhovreinedinhishorseandadvancedatawalk。
　　"Ditesdonc，lecolonelGerardestici？"*heasked。
　　*"Tellme，isColonelGerardhere？"
　　"Motd’ordre，"repeatedthesentinel，barringthewayandnotreplying。
　　"Quandunofficierfaitsaronde，lessentinellesnedemandentpaslemotd’ordre……"criedDolokhovsuddenlyflaringupandridingstraightatthesentinel。"Jevousdemandesilecolonelestici。"*
　　*"Whenanofficerismakinghisround，sentinelsdon’taskhimforthepassword……Iamaskingyouifthecolonelishere。"
　　Andwithoutwaitingforananswerfromthesentinel，whohadsteppedaside，Dolokhovrodeuptheinclineatawalk。
　　Noticingtheblackoutlineofamancrossingtheroad，Dolokhovstoppedhimandinquiredwherethecommanderandofficerswere。Theman，asoldierwithasackoverhisshoulder，stopped，camecloseuptoDolokhov’shorse，toucheditwithhishand，andexplainedsimplyandinafriendlywaythatthecommanderandtheofficerswerehigherupthehilltotherightinthecourtyardofthefarm，ashecalledthelandowner’shouse。
　　Havingriddenuptheroad，onbothsidesofwhichFrenchtalkcouldbeheardaroundthecampfires，Dolokhovturnedintothecourtyardofthelandowner’shouse。Havingriddenin，hedismountedandapproachedabigblazingcampfire，aroundwhichsatseveralmentalkingnoisily。Somethingwasboilinginasmallcauldronattheedgeofthefireandasoldierinapeakedcapandblueovercoat，litupbythefire，waskneelingbesideitstirringitscontentswitharamrod。
　　"Oh，he’sahardnuttocrack，"saidoneoftheofficerswhowassittingintheshadowattheothersideofthefire。
　　"He’llmakethemgetamoveon，thosefellows！"saidanother，laughing。
　　Bothfellsilent，peeringoutthroughthedarknessatthesoundofDolokhov’sandPetya’sstepsastheyadvancedtothefireleadingtheirhorses。
　　"Bonjour，messieurs！"*saidDolokhovloudlyandclearly。
　　*"Goodday，gentlemen。"
　　Therewasastiramongtheofficersintheshadowbeyondthefire，andonetall，long—neckedofficer，walkingroundthefire，cameuptoDolokhov。
　　"Isthatyou，Clement？"heasked。"Wherethedevil……？But，noticinghismistake，hebrokeoffshortand，withafrown，greetedDolokhovasastranger，askingwhathecoulddoforhim。
　　Dolokhovsaidthatheandhiscompanionweretryingtoovertaketheirregiment，andaddressingthecompanyingeneralaskedwhethertheyknewanythingofthe6thRegiment。Noneofthemknewanything，andPetyathoughttheofficerswerebeginningtolookathimandDolokhovwithhostilityandsuspicion。Forsomesecondsallweresilent。
　　"Ifyouwerecountingontheeveningsoup，youhavecometoolate，"saidavoicefrombehindthefirewitharepressedlaugh。
　　Dolokhovrepliedthattheywerenothungryandmustpushonfartherthatnight。
　　Hehandedthehorsesovertothesoldierwhowasstirringthepotandsquatteddownonhisheelsbythefirebesidetheofficerwiththelongneck。ThatofficerdidnottakehiseyesfromDolokhovandagainaskedtowhatregimenthebelonged。Dolokhov，asifhehadnotheardthequestion，didnotreply，butlightingashortFrenchpipewhichhetookfromhispocketbeganaskingtheofficerinhowfartheroadbeforethemwassafefromCossacks。
　　"Thosebrigandsareeverywhere，"repliedanofficerfrombehindthefire。
　　DolokhovremarkedthattheCossackswereadangeronlytostragglerssuchashiscompanionandhimself，"butprobablytheywouldnotdaretoattacklargedetachments？"headdedinquiringly。Noonereplied。
　　"Well，nowhe’llcomeaway，"Petyathoughteverymomentashestoodbythecampfirelisteningtothetalk。
　　ButDolokhovrestartedtheconversationwhichhaddroppedandbeganputtingdirectquestionsastohowmanymentherewereinthebattalion，howmanybattalions，andhowmanyprisoners。AskingabouttheRussianprisonerswiththatdetachment，Dolokhovsaid：
　　"Ahorridbusinessdraggingthesecorpsesaboutwithone！Itwouldbebettertoshootsuchrabble，"andburstintoloudlaughter，sostrangethatPetyathoughttheFrenchwouldimmediatelydetecttheirdisguise，andinvoluntarilytookastepbackfromthecampfire。
　　NoonerepliedawordtoDolokhov’slaughter，andaFrenchofficerwhomtheycouldnotseehelaywrappedinagreatcoatroseandwhisperedsomethingtoacompanion。Dolokhovgotupandcalledtothesoldierwhowasholdingtheirhorses。
　　"Willtheybringourhorsesornot？"thoughtPetya，instinctivelydrawingnearertoDolokhov。
　　Thehorseswerebrought。
　　"Goodevening，gentlemen，"saidDolokhov。
　　Petyawishedtosay"Goodnight"butcouldnotutteraword。Theofficerswerewhisperingtogether。Dolokhovwasalongtimemountinghishorsewhichwouldnotstandstill，thenherodeoutoftheyardatafootpace。Petyarodebesidehim，longingtolookroundtoseewhetherornotheFrenchwererunningafterthem，butnotdaringto。
　　ComingoutontotheroadDolokhovdidnotridebackacrosstheopencountry，butthroughthevillage。Atonespothestoppedandlistened。"Doyouhear？"heasked。PetyarecognizedthesoundofRussianvoicesandsawthedarkfiguresofRussianprisonersroundtheircampfires。WhentheyhaddescendedtothebridgePetyaandDolokhovrodepastthesentinel，whowithoutsayingawordpacedmoroselyupanddownit，thentheydescendedintothehollowwheretheCossacksawaitedthem。
　　"Wellnow，good—by。TellDenisov，’atthefirstshotatdaybreak，’"saidDolokhovandwasabouttorideaway，butPetyaseizedholdofhim。
　　"Really！"hecried，"youaresuchahero！Oh，howfine，howsplendid！HowIloveyou！"
　　"Allright，allright！"saidDolokhov。ButPetyadidnotletgoofhimandDolokhovsawthroughthegloomthatPetyawasbendingtowardhimandwantedtokisshim。Dolokhovkissedhim，laughed，turnedhishorse，andvanishedintothedarkness。
　　BK14CH10
　　CHAPTERX
　　Havingreturnedtothewatchman’shut，PetyafoundDenisovinthepassage。HewasawaitingPetya’sreturninastateofagitation，anxiety，andself—reproachforhavinglethimgo。
　　"ThankGod！"heexclaimed。"Yes，thankGod！"herepeated，listeningtoPetya’srapturousaccount。"But，deviltakeyou，I
　　haven’tsleptbecauseofyou！Well，thankGod。Nowliedown。Wecanstillgetanapbeforemorning。"
　　"But……no，"saidPetya，"Idon’twanttosleepyet。BesidesI
　　knowmyself，ifIfallasleepit’sfinished。AndthenIamusedtonotsleepingbeforeabattle。"
　　Hesatawhileinthehutjoyfullyrecallingthedetailsofhisexpeditionandvividlypicturingtohimselfwhatwouldhappennextday。
　　Then，noticingthatDenisovwasasleep，heroseandwentoutofdoors。
　　Itwasstillquitedarkoutside。Therainwasover，butdropswerestillfallingfromthetrees。Nearthewatchman’shuttheblackshapesoftheCossacks’shantiesandofhorsestetheredtogethercouldbeseen。Behindthehutthedarkshapesofthetwowagonswiththeirhorsesbesidethemwerediscernible，andinthehollowthedyingcampfiregleamedred。NotalltheCossacksandhussarswereasleep；
　　hereandthere，amidthesoundsoffallingdropsandthemunchingofthehorsesnearby，couldbeheardlowvoiceswhichseemedtobewhispering。
　　Petyacameout，peeredintothedarkness，andwentuptothewagons。
　　Someonewassnoringunderthem，andaroundthemstoodsaddledhorsesmunchingtheiroats。InthedarkPetyarecognizedhisownhorse，whichhecalled"Karabakh"thoughitwasofUkranianbreed，andwentuptoit。
　　"Well，Karabakh！We’lldosomeservicetomorrow，"saidhe，sniffingitsnostrilsandkissingit。
　　"Whyaren’tyouasleep，sir？"saidaCossackwhowassittingunderawagon。
　　"No，ah……Likhachev—isn’tthatyourname？DoyouknowIhaveonlyjustcomeback！We’vebeenintotheFrenchcamp。"
　　AndPetyagavetheCossackadetailedaccountnotonlyofhisridebutalsoofhisobject，andwhyheconsidereditbettertoriskhislifethantoact"justanyhow。"
　　"Well，youshouldgetsomesleepnow，"saidtheCossack。
　　"No，Iamusedtothis，"saidPetya。"Isay，aren’ttheflintsinyourpistolswornout？Ibroughtsomewithme。Don’tyouwantany？Youcanhavesome。"
　　TheCossackbentforwardfromunderthewagontogetacloserlookatPetya。
　　"BecauseIamaccustomedtodoingeverythingaccurately，"saidPetya。"Somefellowsdothingsjustanyhow，withoutpreparation，andthenthey’resorryforitafterwards。Idon’tlikethat。"
　　"Justso，"saidtheCossack。
　　"Ohyes，anotherthing！Please，mydearfellow，willyousharpenmysaberforme？It’sgotbl……"Petyafearedtotellalie，andthesaberneverhadbeensharpened。"Canyoudoit？"
　　"OfcourseIcan。"
　　Likhachevgotup，rummagedinhispack，andsoonPetyaheardthewarlikesoundofsteelonwhetstone。Heclimbedontothewagonandsatonitsedge。TheCossackwassharpeningthesaberunderthewagon。
　　"Isay！Aretheladsasleep？"askedPetya。
　　"Someare，andsomearen’t—likeus。"
　　"Well，andthatboy？"
　　"Vesenny？Oh，he’sthrownhimselfdownthereinthepassage。Fastasleepafterhisfright。Hewasthatglad！"
　　AfterthatPetyaremainedsilentforalongtime，listeningtothesounds。Heheardfootstepsinthedarknessandablackfigureappeared。
　　"Whatareyousharpening？"askedamancominguptothewagon。
　　"Why，thisgentleman’ssaber。"
　　"That’sright，"saidtheman，whomPetyatooktobeanhussar。
　　"Wasthecuplefthere？"
　　"There，bythewheel！"
　　Thehussartookthecup。
　　"Itmustbedaylightsoon，"saidhe，yawning，andwentaway。
　　PetyaoughttohaveknownthathewasinaforestwithDenisov’sguerrillaband，lessthanamilefromtheroad，sittingonawagoncapturedfromtheFrenchbesidewhichhorsesweretethered，thatunderitLikhachevwassittingsharpeningasaberforhim，thatthebigdarkblotchtotherightwasthewatchman’shut，andtheredblotchbelowtotheleftwasthedyingembersofacampfire，thatthemanwhohadcomeforthecupwasanhussarwhowantedadrink；butheneitherknewnorwaitedtoknowanythingofallthis。Hewasinafairykingdomwherenothingresembledreality。Thebigdarkblotchmightreallybethewatchman’shutoritmightbeacavernleadingtotheverydepthsoftheearth。Perhapstheredspotwasafire，oritmightbetheeyeofanenormousmonster。Perhapshewasreallysittingonawagon，butitmightverywellbethathewasnotsittingonawagonbutonaterriblyhightowerfromwhich，ifhefell，hewouldhavetofallforawholedayorawholemonth，orgoonfallingandneverreachthebottom。PerhapsitwasjusttheCossack，Likhachev，whowassittingunderthewagon，butitmightbethekindest，bravest，mostwonderful，mostsplendidmanintheworld，whomnooneknewof。
　　Itmightreallyhavebeenthatthehussarcameforwaterandwentbackintothehollow，butperhapshehadsimplyvanished—disappearedaltogetheranddissolvedintonothingness。
　　NothingPetyacouldhaveseennowwouldhavesurprisedhim。Hewasinafairykingdomwhereeverythingwaspossible。
　　Helookedupatthesky。Andtheskywasafairyrealmliketheearth。Itwasclearing，andoverthetopsofthetreescloudswereswiftlysailingasifunveilingthestars。Sometimesitlookedasifthecloudswerepassing，andaclearblackskyappeared。Sometimesitseemedasiftheblackspaceswereclouds。Sometimestheskyseemedtoberisinghigh，highoverhead，andthenitseemedtosinksolowthatonecouldtouchitwithone’shand。
　　Petya’seyesbegantocloseandheswayedalittle。
　　Thetreesweredripping。Quiettalkingwasheard。Thehorsesneighedandjostledoneanother。Someonesnored。
　　"Ozheg—zheg，Ozheg—zheg……"hissedthesaberagainstthewhetstone，andsuddenlyPetyaheardanharmoniousorchestraplayingsomeunknown，sweetlysolemnhymn。PetyawasasmusicalasNatashaandmoresothanNicholas，buthadneverlearnedmusicorthoughtaboutit，andsothemelodythatunexpectedlycametohismindseemedtohimparticularlyfreshandattractive。Themusicbecamemoreandmoreaudible。Themelodygrewandpassedfromoneinstrumenttoanother。
　　Andwhatwasplayedwasafugue—thoughPetyahadnottheleastconceptionofwhatafugueis。Eachinstrument—nowresemblingaviolinandnowahorn，butbetterandclearerthanviolinorhorn—
　　playeditsownpart，andbeforeithadfinishedthemelodymergedwithanotherinstrumentthatbeganalmostthesameair，andthenwithathirdandafourth；andtheyallblendedintooneandagainbecameseparateandagainblended，nowintosolemnchurchmusic，nowintosomethingdazzlinglybrilliantandtriumphant。
　　"Oh—why，thatwasinadream！"Petyasaidtohimself，ashelurchedforward。"It’sinmyears。Butperhapsit’smusicofmyown。Well，goon，mymusic！Now！……"
　　Heclosedhiseyes，and，fromallsidesasiffromadistance，soundsfluttered，grewintoharmonies，separated，blended，andagainallmingledintothesamesweetandsolemnhymn。"Oh，thisisdelightful！AsmuchasIlikeandasIlike！"saidPetyatohimself。
　　Hetriedtoconductthatenormousorchestra。
　　"Nowsoftly，softlydieaway！"andthesoundsobeyedhim。"Nowfuller，morejoyful。Stillmoreandmorejoyful！"Andfromanunknowndepthroseincreasinglytriumphantsounds。"Nowvoicesjoinin！"orderedPetya。Andatfirstfromafarheheardmen’svoicesandthenwomen’s。Thevoicesgrewinharmonioustriumphantstrength，andPetyalistenedtotheirsurpassingbeautyinaweandjoy。
　　Withasolemntriumphalmarchtheremingledasong，thedripfromthetrees，andthehissingofthesaber，"Ozheg—zheg—zheg……"andagainthehorsesjostledoneanotherandneighed，notdisturbingthechoirbutjoininginit。
　　Petyadidnotknowhowlongthislasted：heenjoyedhimselfallthetime，wonderedathisenjoymentandregrettedthattherewasnoonetoshareit。HewasawakenedbyLikhachev’skindlyvoice。
　　"It’sready，yourhonor；youcansplitaFrenchmaninhalfwithit！"
　　Petyawokeup。
　　"It’sgettinglight，it’sreallygettinglight！"heexclaimed。
　　Thehorsesthathadpreviouslybeeninvisiblecouldnowbeseentotheirverytails，andawaterylightshoweditselfthroughthebarebranches。Petyashookhimself，jumpedup，tookarublefromhispocketandgaveittoLikhachev；thenheflourishedthesaber，testedit，andsheathedit。TheCossackswereuntyingtheirhorsesandtighteningtheirsaddlegirths。
　　"Andhere’sthecommander，"saidLikhachev。
　　Denisovcameoutofthewatchman’shutand，havingcalledPetya，gaveorderstogetready。
　　BK14CH11
　　CHAPTERXI
　　Themenrapidlypickedouttheirhorsesinthesemidarkness，tightenedtheirsaddlegirths，andformedcompanies。Denisovstoodbythewatchman’shutgivingfinalorders。Theinfantryofthedetachmentpassedalongtheroadandquicklydisappearedamidthetreesinthemistofearlydawn，hundredsoffeetsplashingthroughthemud。Theesaulgavesomeorderstohismen。Petyaheldhishorsebythebridle，impatientlyawaitingtheordertomount。Hisface，havingbeenbathedincoldwater，wasallaglow，andhiseyeswereparticularlybrilliant。Coldshiversrandownhisspineandhiswholebodypulsedrhythmically。
　　"Well，isev’wythingweady？"askedDenisov。"Bwingthehorses。"
　　Thehorseswerebrought。DenisovwasangrywiththeCossackbecausethesaddlegirthsweretooslack，reprovedhim，andmounted。
　　Petyaputhisfootinthestirrup。Hishorsebyhabitmadeasiftoniphisleg，butPetyaleapedquicklyintothesaddleunconsciousofhisownweightand，turningtolookatthehussarsstartinginthedarknessbehindhim，rodeuptoDenisov。
　　"VasiliDmitrich，entrustmewithsomecommission！Please……forGod’ssake……！"saidhe。
　　DenisovseemedtohaveforgottenPetya’sveryexistence。Heturnedtoglanceathim。
　　"Iaskonethingofyou，"hesaidsternly，"toobeymeandnotshoveyourselfforwardanywhere。"
　　HedidnotsayanotherwordtoPetyabutrodeinsilencealltheway。Whentheyhadcometotheedgeoftheforestitwasnoticeablygrowinglightoverthefield。DenisovtalkedinwhisperswiththeesaulandtheCossacksrodepastPetyaandDenisov。Whentheyhadallriddenby，Denisovtouchedhishorseandrodedownthehill。
　　Slippingontotheirhaunchesandsliding，thehorsesdescendedwiththeirridersintotheravine。PetyarodebesideDenisov，thepulsationofhisbodyconstantlyincreasing。Itwasgettinglighterandlighter，butthemiststillhiddistantobjects。Havingreachedthevalley，DenisovlookedbackandnoddedtoaCossackbesidehim。
　　"Thesignal！"saidhe。
　　TheCossackraisedhisarmandashotrangout。Inaninstantthetrampofhorsesgallopingforwardwasheard，shoutscamefromvarioussides，andthenmoreshots。
　　Atthefirstsoundoftramplinghoofsandshouting，Petyalashedhishorseandlooseninghisreingallopedforward，notheedingDenisovwhoshoutedathim。ItseemedtoPetyathatatthemomenttheshotwasfireditsuddenlybecameasbrightasnoon。Hegallopedtothebridge。
　　Cossacksweregallopingalongtheroadinfrontofhim。OnthebridgehecollidedwithaCossackwhohadfallenbehind，buthegallopedon。Infrontofhimsoldiers，probablyFrenchmen，wererunningfromrighttoleftacrosstheroad。Oneofthemfellinthemudunderhishorse’sfeet。
　　Cossackswerecrowdingaboutahut，busywithsomething。Fromthemidstofthatcrowdterriblescreamsarose。Petyagallopedup，andthefirstthinghesawwasthepalefaceandtremblingjawofaFrenchman，clutchingthehandleofalancethathadbeenaimedathim。
　　"Hurrah！……Lads！……ours！"shoutedPetya，andgivingreintohisexcitedhorsehegallopedforwardalongthevillagestreet。
　　Hecouldhearshootingaheadofhim。Cossacks，hussars，andraggedRussianprisoners，whohadcomerunningfrombothsidesoftheroad，wereshoutingsomethingloudlyandincoherently。Agallant—lookingFrenchman，inablueovercoat，capless，andwithafrowningredface，hadbeendefendinghimselfagainstthehussars。WhenPetyagallopeduptheFrenchmanhadalreadyfallen。"Toolateagain！"
　　flashedthroughPetya’smindandhegallopedontotheplacefromwhichtherapidfiringcouldbeheard。Theshotscamefromtheyardofthelandowner’shousehehadvisitedthenightbeforewithDolokhov。
　　TheFrenchweremakingastandtherebehindawattlefenceinagardenthicklyovergrownwithbushesandwerefiringattheCossackswhocrowdedatthegateway。Throughthesmoke，asheapproachedthegate，PetyasawDolokhov，whosefacewasofapale—greenishtint，shoutingtohismen。"Goround！Waitfortheinfantry！"heexclaimedasPetyarodeuptohim。
　　"Wait？……Hurrah—ah—ah！"shoutedPetya，andwithoutpausingamomentgallopedtotheplacewhencecamethesoundsoffiringandwherethesmokewasthickest。
　　Avolleywasheard，andsomebulletswhistledpast，whileothersplashedagainstsomething。TheCossacksandDolokhovgallopedafterPetyaintothegatewayofthecourtyard。InthedensewaveringsmokesomeoftheFrenchthrewdowntheirarmsandranoutofthebushestomeettheCossacks，whileothersrandownthehilltowardthepond。Petyawasgallopingalongthecourtyard，butinsteadofholdingthereinshewavedbothhisarmsaboutrapidlyandstrangely，slippingfartherandfarthertoonesideinhissaddle。Hishorse，havinggallopeduptoacampfirethatwassmolderinginthemorninglight，stoppedsuddenly，andPetyafellheavilyontothewetground。TheCossackssawthathisarmsandlegsjerkedrapidlythoughhisheadwasquitemotionless。Abullethadpiercedhisskull。
　　AfterspeakingtotheseniorFrenchofficer，whocameoutofthehousewithawhitehandkerchieftiedtohisswordandannouncedthattheysurrendered，DolokhovdismountedandwentuptoPetya，wholaymotionlesswithoutstretchedarms。
　　"Donefor！"hesaidwithafrown，andwenttothegatetomeetDenisovwhowasridingtowardhim。
　　"Killed？"criedDenisov，recognizingfromadistancetheunmistakablylifelessattitude—veryfamiliartohim—inwhichPetya’sbodywaslying。
　　"Donefor！"repeatedDolokhovasiftheutteranceofthesewordsaffordedhimpleasure，andhewentquicklyuptotheprisoners，whoweresurroundedbyCossackswhohadhurriedup。"Wewon’ttakethem！"hecalledouttoDenisov。
　　Denisovdidnotreply；herodeuptoPetya，dismounted，andwithtremblinghandsturnedtowardhimselfthebloodstained，mud—bespatteredfacewhichhadalreadygonewhite。
　　"Iamusedtosomethingsweet。Raisins，fineones……takethemall！"
　　herecalledPetya’swords。AndtheCossackslookedroundinsurpriseatthesound，liketheyelpofadog，withwhichDenisovturnedaway，walkedtothewattlefence，andseizedholdofit。
　　AmongtheRussianprisonersrescuedbyDenisovandDolokhovwasPierreBezukhov。
　　BK14CH12
　　CHAPTERXII
　　DuringthewholeoftheirmarchfromMoscownofreshordershadbeenissuedbytheFrenchauthoritiesconcerningthepartyofprisonersamongwhomwasPierre。Onthetwenty—secondofOctoberthatpartywasnolongerwiththesametroopsandbaggagetrainswithwhichithadleftMoscow。HalfthewagonsladenwithhardtackthathadtraveledthefirststageswiththemhadbeencapturedbyCossacks，theotherhalfhadgoneonahead。Notoneofthosedismountedcavalrymenwhohadmarchedinfrontoftheprisonerswasleft；theyhadalldisappeared。TheartillerytheprisonershadseeninfrontofthemduringthefirstdayswasnowreplacedbyMarshalJunot’senormousbaggagetrain，convoyedbyWestphalians。Behindtheprisonerscameacavalrybaggagetrain。
　　FromVyazmaonwardstheFrencharmy，whichhadtillthenmovedinthreecolumns，wentonasasinglegroup。ThesymptomsofdisorderthatPierrehadnoticedattheirfirsthaltingplaceafterleavingMoscowhadnowreachedtheutmostlimit。
　　Theroadalongwhichtheymovedwasborderedonbothsidesbydeadhorses；raggedmenwhohadfallenbehindfromvariousregimentscontinuallychangedabout，nowjoiningthemovingcolumn，nowagainlaggingbehindit。
　　Severaltimesduringthemarchfalsealarmshadbeengivenandthesoldiersoftheescorthadraisedtheirmuskets，fired，andrunheadlong，crushingoneanother，buthadafterwardsreassembledandabusedeachotherfortheircauselesspanic。
　　Thesethreegroupstravelingtogether—thecavalrystores，theconvoyofprisoners，andJunot’sbaggagetrain—stillconstitutedaseparateandunitedwhole，thougheachofthegroupswasrapidlymeltingaway。
　　Oftheartillerybaggagetrainwhichhadconsistedofahundredandtwentywagons，notmorethansixtynowremained；theresthadbeencapturedorleftbehind。SomeofJunot’swagonsalsohadbeencapturedorabandoned。ThreewagonshadbeenraidedandrobbedbystragglersfromDavout’scorps。FromthetalkoftheGermansPierrelearnedthatalargerguardhadbeenallottedtothatbaggagetrainthantotheprisoners，andthatoneoftheircomrades，aGermansoldier，hadbeenshotbythemarshal’sownorderbecauseasilverspoonbelongingtothemarshalhadbeenfoundinhispossession。
　　Thegroupofprisonershadmeltedawaymostofall。OfthethreehundredandthirtymenwhohadsetoutfromMoscowfewerthanahundrednowremained。TheprisonersweremoreburdensometotheescortthaneventhecavalrysaddlesorJunot’sbaggage。TheyunderstoodthatthesaddlesandJunot’sspoonmightbeofsomeuse，butthatcoldandhungrysoldiersshouldhavetostandandguardequallycoldandhungryRussianswhofrozeandlaggedbehindontheroadinwhichcasetheorderwastoshootthemwasnotmerelyincomprehensiblebutrevolting。Andtheescort，asifafraid，inthegrievousconditiontheythemselveswerein，ofgivingwaytothepitytheyfeltfortheprisonersandsorenderingtheirownplightstillworse，treatedthemwithparticularmorosenessandseverity。
　　AtDorogobuzhwhilethesoldiersoftheconvoy，afterlockingtheprisonersinastable，hadgoneofftopillagetheirownstores，severalofthesoldierprisonerstunneledunderthewallandranaway，butwererecapturedbytheFrenchandshot。
　　Thearrangementadoptedwhentheystarted，thattheofficerprisonersshouldbekeptseparatefromtherest，hadlongsincebeenabandoned。Allwhocouldwalkwenttogether，andafterthethirdstagePierrehadrejoinedKarataevandthegray—bluebandy—leggeddogthathadchosenKarataevforitsmaster。
　　OnthethirddayafterleavingMoscowKarataevagainfellillwiththefeverhehadsufferedfrominthehospitalinMoscow，andashegrewgraduallyweakerPierrekeptawayfromhim。Pierredidnotknowwhy，butsinceKarataevhadbeguntogrowweakerithadcosthimanefforttogonearhim。WhenhedidsoandheardthesubduedmoaningwithwhichKarataevgenerallylaydownatthehaltingplaces，andwhenhesmelledtheodoremanatingfromhimwhichwasnowstrongerthanbefore，Pierremovedfartherawayanddidnotthinkabouthim。
　　WhileimprisonedintheshedPierrehadlearnednotwithhisintellectbutwithhiswholebeing，bylifeitself，thatmaniscreatedforhappiness，thathappinessiswithinhim，inthesatisfactionofsimplehumanneeds，andthatallunhappinessarisesnotfromprivationbutfromsuperfluity。Andnowduringtheselastthreeweeksofthemarchhehadlearnedstillanothernew，consolatorytruth—thatnothinginthisworldisterrible。Hehadlearnedthatasthereisnoconditioninwhichmancanbehappyandentirelyfree，sothereisnoconditioninwhichheneedbeunhappyandlackfreedom。Helearnedthatsufferingandfreedomhavetheirlimitsandthatthoselimitsareveryneartogether；thatthepersoninabedofroseswithonecrumpledpetalsufferedaskeenlyashenow，sleepingonthebaredampearthwithonesidegrowingchilledwhiletheotherwaswarming；andthatwhenhehadputontightdancingshoeshehadsufferedjustashedidnowwhenhewalkedwithbarefeetthatwerecoveredwithsores—hisfootgearhavinglongsincefallentopieces。Hediscoveredthatwhenhehadmarriedhiswife—ofhisownfreewillasithadseemedtohim—hehadbeennomorefreethannowwhentheylockedhimupatnightinastable。Ofallthathehimselfsubsequentlytermedhissufferings，butwhichatthetimehescarcelyfelt，theworstwasthestateofhisbare，raw，andscab—coveredfeet。Thehorsefleshwasappetizingandnourishing，thesaltpeterflavorofthegunpowdertheyusedinsteadofsaltwasevenpleasant；therewasnogreatcold，itwasalwayswarmwalkinginthedaytime，andatnighttherewerethecampfires；thelicethatdevouredhimwarmedhisbody。Theonethingthatwasatfirsthardtobearwashisfeet。