WhenlesenfantsduDonmightpositivelycapturetheEmperorhimselfinthemiddleofhisarmy，itwasevidentthattherewasnothingelsetodobuttoflywithallpossiblehastebythenearestandthefamiliarroad。Napoleon，withhisfortyyearsandhiscorpulence，hadnotallhisoldresourcefulnessandcourage，andhequitetookthehint；andundertheinfluenceofthefrighttheCossackshadgivenhim，heagreedatoncewithMouton，andgave，asthehistorianstellus，theordertoretreatalongtheSmolenskroad。
ThefactthatNapoleonagreedwithMouton，andthatthearmydidnotretreatinthatdirection，doesnotprovethathiscommanddecidedthatretreat，butthattheforcesactingonthewholearmyanddrivingitalongtheMozhaiskroadweresimultaneouslyactinguponNapoleontoo。
Chapter19
WHENAMANfindshimselfinmovement，healwaysinventsagoalofthatmovement。Inordertowalkathousandversts，amanmustbelievethatthereissomegoodbeyondthosethousandversts。Heneedsavisionofapromisedlandtohavethestrengthtogoonmoving。ThepromisedlandfortheFrenchontheirmarchintoRussiawasMoscow；ontheirretreatitwastheirowncountry。Buttheircountrywastoofar；andamanwalkingathousandverstsmustinevitablyputasidehisfinalgoalandsaytohimselfeverydaythatheisgoingtowalkfortyverststoaresting—placewherehecansleep；andbeforethefirsthaltthatresting—placehaseclipsedtheimageofthefinalgoal，andallhishopesanddesiresareconcentratedonit。Allimpulsesmanifestintheindividualarealwaysgreatlyexaggeratedinacrowd。
FortheFrench，marchingbackalongtheoldSmolenskroad，thefinalgoal，theirowncountry，wastooremote，andthenearergoalonwhichallhopesanddesires，enormouslyintensifiedbytheinfluenceofthecrowd，wereconcentratedwasSmolensk。
ItwasnotbecausethesoldiersknewthattherewereplentifulsuppliesinSmolenskandreinforcements，norbecausetheyweretoldso（onthecontrary，thegeneralsandNapoleonhimselfknewthatthesuppliestherewerescanty），butbecausethiswastheonlythingthatcouldgivethemthestrengthtomoveandtobeartheirpresenthardships，thatthey—thosethatknewbetterandthosethatdidnotalike—deceivedthemselves，andrushedtoSmolenskastoalandofpromise。
Whentheygotoutonthehighroad，theFrenchfledtotheirimaginedgoalwithextraordinaryenergyandunheard—ofrapidity。ApartfromthecommonimpulsethatboundthecrowdsofFrenchmentogetherintoonewholeandgavethemacertainmomentum，therewasanothercausethatheldthemtogether，thatcausewastheirimmensenumber。Asinthephysicallawofgravitation，theimmensemassofthemdrewtheseparateatomstoitself。Theymovedintheirmassofhundredsofthousandslikeawholestate。
Everymanamongthemlongedforonethingonly—tosurrenderandbetakenprisoner，toescapefromallthehorrorsandmiseriesofhisactualposition。ButononehandthemomentumofthecommonimpulsetowardSmolenskdreweachindividualinthesamedirection。Ontheotherhand，itwasoutofthequestionforacorpstosurrendertoasquadron；andalthoughtheFrenchtookadvantageofeveryconvenientopportunitytostraggleawayfromoneanother，andonthesmallestdecentpretexttobetakenprisoners，thoseopportunitiesdidnotalwaysoccur。Theirverynumber，andtheirrapidmovementinsuchaclosely—packedmass，deprivedthemofsuchpossibilities，andmadeitnotonlydifficultbutimpossiblefortheRussianstostopthatmovementintowhichthewholeenergyofthatgreatmasswasthrown。Nomechanicalsplittingupofthebodycouldacceleratebeyondcertainlimitstheprocessofdissolutionthatwasgoingonwithinit。
Asnowballcannotbemeltedinstantaneously。Thereisacertainlimitoftimewithinwhichnoapplicationofheatcanthawthesnow。Onthecontrary，thegreatertheheat，theharderthesnowthatisleft。
OftheRussiangeneralsnoonebutKutuzovunderstoodthis。WhentheflightoftheFrencharmytookitsfinaldirectionalongtheSmolenskroad，thenwhatKutuzovhadforeseenonthenightofthe11thofOctoberbegantocometopass。AllthegeneralsandofficersoftheRussianarmywereeagertodistinguishthemselves，tocutofftheenemy’sretreat，toovertake，tocapture，tofallupontheFrench，andallclamouredforaction。
Kutuzovaloneusedallhispowers（andthepowersofanycommander—in—chiefarefarfromgreat）toresistthisclamourforattack。
Hecouldnottellthemwhatwecansaynow:hecouldnotaskthemwhatwastheobjectoffightingandobstructingtheroadandlosingourmen，andinhumanlypersecutingthepoorwretches，whenone—thirdofthatarmymeltedawayofitselfwithoutabattlebetweenMoscowandVyazma。Butdrawingfromthestoresofhisagedwisdomwhattheycouldunderstand，hetoldthemofthegoldenbridge，andtheylaughedathim，slanderedhim，pushedonanddashedforward，exultingoverthewoundedbeast。
NearVyazma，Yermolov，Miloradovitch，Platov，andothers，findingthemselvesintheneighbourhoodoftheFrench，couldnotresistthedesiretocutthemoffandtofallupontwoFrenchcorps。InsendingtoinformKutuzovoftheirproject，theyslippedablanksheetofpaperintotheenvelopeinsteadofthedespatch。
AndinspiteofKutuzov’seffortstorestrainthearmy，oursoldiersattackedtheFrenchandtriedtobartheirway。Theinfantryregiments，wearetold，marchedtoattackthemwithmusicandbeatingofdrumsandslewandwereslainbythousands。
Butasforcuttingofftheirretreat—nonewerecutoffnorturnedaside。AndtheFrencharmy，broughtintoclosercohesionbydanger，andslowlymeltingasitwent，keptstillonitsfatalwaytoSmolensk。
PartFourteen
Chapter1
THEBATTLEofBorodinowiththeoccupationofMoscowandtheflightoftheFrench，thatfollowedwithoutanymorebattles，isoneofthemostinstructivephenomenainhistory。
Allhistoriansareagreedthattheexternalactivityofstatesandpeoplesintheirconflictsfindsexpressioninwars；thatthepoliticalpowerofstatesandpeoplesisincreasedordiminishedastheimmediateresultofsuccessordefeatinwar。
Strangearethehistoricalaccountsthattellushowsomekingoremperor，quarrellingwithanotherkingoremperor，leviesanarmy，fightsabattlewiththearmyofhisfoe，gainsavictory，killsthree，five，ortenthousandmen，andconsequentlysubduesastateandawholepeopleconsistingofseveralmillions；andincomprehensibleitseemsthatthedefeatofanyarmy，onehundredthofthewholestrengthofapeople，shouldforcethatpeopletosubmit。Yetallthefactsofhistory（sofarasweknowit）confirmthetruthofthestatement，thatthesuccessesordefeatsofanation’sarmyarethecausesor，atleast，theinvariablesymptomsoftheincreaseordiminutionofthepowerofanation。Anarmygainsavictory，andimmediatelytheclaimsoftheconqueringpeopleareincreasedtothedetrimentoftheconquered。Anarmyisdefeated，andatoncethepeoplelosesitsrightsinproportiontothemagnitudeofthedefeat；andifitsarmyisutterlydefeated，thepeopleiscompletelyconquered。So（accordingtohistory）ithasbeenfromthemostancienttimesuptothepresent。AllNapoleon’searlierwarsserveasillustrationsoftherule。AstheAustrianarmiesweredefeated，Austriawasdeprivedofherrights，andtherightsandpowerofFrancewereincreased。ThevictoriesoftheFrenchatJenaandatAuerstadtdestroyedtheindependentexistenceofPrussia。
Butsuddenly，in1812，theFrenchgainedavictorybeforeMoscow。Moscowwastaken，andinconsequenceofthat，withnosubsequentbattles，notRussia，buttheFrencharmyofsixhundredthousand，andthenNapoleonicFranceitselfceasedtoexist。Tostrainthefactstofittherulesofhistory，tomaintainthatthefieldofBorodinowasleftinthehandsoftheRussians，orthataftertheevacuationofMoscow，therewerebattlesthatdestroyedNapoleon’sarmy—isimpossible。
AfterthevictoryoftheFrenchatBorodino，therewasnogeneralengagement，norevenaskirmishofanygreatimportance，yettheFrencharmyceasedtoexist。Whatisthemeaningofit？IfithadbeenanexamplefromthehistoryofChina，wecouldhavesaiditwasnotanhistoricalfact（theresourceofhistorianswhenanythingwillnotfitinwiththeirrules）。Ifithadoccurredinaconflictonasmallscale，inwhichonlysmallnumbersofsoldiershadtakenpart，wemighthavelookeduponitasanexception。Butallthistookplacebeforetheeyesofourfathers，forwhomitwasaquestionoflifeanddeathfortheircountry；andthewarwasonalargerscalethananywarsweknowof。
Thesequelofthecampaignof1812—fromBorodinotothefinalexpulsionoftheFrench—hasprovedthatvictoriesarenotalwaysacausenorevenaninvariablesignofconquest；ithasprovedthattheforcethatdecidesthefateofpeoplesdoesnotlieinmilitaryleaders，noreveninarmiesandbattles，butinsomethingelse。
TheFrenchhistorians，whodescribethepositionoftheFrenchtroopsbeforetheymarchedoutofMoscow，assertthateverythingwasingoodorderintheGrandeArmée，exceptthecavalry，theartillery，andthetransport，andthattherewasnoforageforthehorsesandcattle。Therewasnoremedyforthisdefect，becausethepeasantsofthesurroundingcountryburnedtheirhayratherthanlettheFrenchhaveit。
Victorydidnotbringforthitsusualresults，becausethepeasants，KarpandVlas，bynomeanspersonsofheroicfeelings（aftertheFrenchevacuation，theyhurriedwiththeircartstopillageMoscow），andtheimmensemultitudeofotherslikethemburnttheirhayratherthanbringittoMoscow，howeverhighthepricesofferedthem。
Letusimaginetwomen，whohavecomeouttofightaduelwithswordsinaccordancewithalltherulesoftheartofswordsmanship。Thefencinghaslastedforsometime。Allatonceoneofthecombatants，feelingthatheiswounded，graspingthatitisnojokingmatter，butaquestionoflifeanddeath，flingsawayhissword，andsnatchingupthefirstcudgelthatcomeshandy，beginstobrandishthat。Butletusimaginethatthecombatant，whohassosensiblymadeuseofthebestandsimplestmeansfortheattainmentofhisobject，shouldbeinspiredbythetraditionsofchivalrytotryanddisguisetherealcauseoftheconflictandshouldpersistindeclaringthathehadbeenvictorintheduelinaccordancewithalltherulesofswordsmanship。Onecanimaginewhatconfusionandobscuritywouldarisefromhisdescriptionoftheduel！
Theduellist，whoinsistedontheconflictbeingfoughtinaccordancewiththeprinciplesofthefencer’sart，standsfortheFrench；hisopponent，whoflungawayhisswordandsnatchedupacudgel，didliketheRussians；andtheattempteddescriptionoftheduelinaccordancewiththerulesofswordsmanshiphasbeengivenusbythehistoriansofthewar。
FromthetimeoftheburningofSmolenskawarbeganwhichdidnotfollowanyoftheoldtraditionsofwarfare。Theburningoftownsandvillages，theretreataftereverybattle，theblowdealtatBorodinoandfollowedbyretreat，theburningofMoscow，thecaptureofmarauders，theseizingoftransports，—thewholeoftheirregularwarfarewasadeparturefromtherules。
Napoleonwasawareofit，andfromthetimewhenhestoodwaitinginMoscowinthecorrectposeofthevictoriousfencer，andinsteadofhisopponent’ssword，sawthebludgeonraisedagainsthim，heneverceasedcomplainingtoKutuzovandtotheEmperorAlexanderthatthewarwasbeingconductedcontrarytoalltherulesofwar。（Asthoughanyrulesexistedfortheslaughterofmen！）
InspiteofthecomplaintsoftheFrenchthattheydidnotkeeptotherules，inspiteofthefactthattheRussiansinthehighestpositionsfeltitsomehowshamefultobefightingwithacudgel，andwantedtotakeupthecorrectpositionenquarteorentierce，tomakeaskilfulthrust，enprimeandsoon，thecudgelofthepeople’swarwasraisedinallitsmenacingandmajesticpower；andtroublingitselfaboutnoquestionofanyone’stastesorrules，aboutnofinedistinctions，withstupidsimplicity，withperfectconsistency，itroseandfellandbelabouredtheFrenchtillthewholeinvadingarmyhadbeendrivenout。
Andhappythepeoplethatwillnot，astheFrenchdidin1813，salutingaccordingtotherules，gracefullyandcautiouslyoffertheswordhilttothemagnanimousconqueror。Happythepeoplewho，inthemomentoftrial，asksnoquestionshowotherswouldactbytherecognisedrulesinsuchcases，butwitheaseanddirectnesspicksupthefirstcudgelthatcomeshandyanddealsblowswithit，tillresentmentandrevengegivewaytocontemptandpity。
Chapter2
ONEofthemostconspicuousandadvantageousdeparturesfromtheso—calledrulesofwarfareistheindependentactionofmenactingseparatelyagainstmenhuddledtogetherinamass。Suchindependentactivityisalwaysseeninawarthatassumesanationalcharacter。Inthiskindofwarfare，insteadofforminginacrowdtoattackacrowd，mendisperseinsmallgroups，attacksinglyandatoncefly，whenattackedbysuperiorforces，andthenattackagain，whenanopportunitypresentsitself。SuchwerethemethodsoftheguerillasinSpain；ofthemountaintribesintheCaucasus，andoftheRussiansin1812。
Warofthiskindhasbeencalledpartisanwarfareonthesuppositionthatthisnamedefineditsspecialsignificance。Butthiskindofwarfaredoesnotfollowanyrulesofwar，butisindirectcontradictiontoawell—knownruleoftactics，regardedasinfallible。Thatrulelaysitdownthattheattackingpartymustconcentratehisforcesinordertobestrongerthanhisopponentatthemomentofconflict。
Partisanwarfare（alwayssuccessful，ashistorytestifies）actsindirectcontradictionofthisrule。
Militaryscienceassumesthattherelativestrengthofforcesisidenticalwiththeirnumericalproportions。Militarysciencemaintainsthatthegreaterthenumberofsoldiers，thegreatertheirstrength。Lesgrosbataillonsonttoujoursraison。
Tosaythisisasthoughonewereinmechanicstosaythatforceswereequalorunequalsimplybecausethemassesofthemovingbodieswereequalorunequal。
Force（thevolumeofmotion）istheproductofthemassintothevelocity。
Inwarfaretheforceofarmiesistheproductofthemassmultipliedbysomethingelse，anunknownx。
Militaryscience，seeinginhistoryanimmensenumberofexamplesinwhichthemassofanarmydoesnotcorrespondwithitsforce，andinwhichsmallnumbersconquerlargeones，vaguelyrecognisestheexistenceofthisunknownfactor，andtriestofinditsometimesinsomegeometricaldispositionofthetroops，sometimesinthesuperiorityofweapons，andmostofteninthegeniusoftheleaders。Butnoneofthosefactorsyieldresultsthatagreewiththehistoricalfacts。
Onehasbuttorenouncethefalseviewthatglorifiestheeffectoftheactivityoftheheroesofhistoryinwarfareinordertodiscoverthisunknownquantity，x。
Xisthespiritofthearmy，thegreaterorlessdesiretofightandtofacedangersonthepartofallthemencomposingthearmy，whichisquiteapartfromthequestionwhethertheyarefightingunderleadersofgeniusornot，withcudgelsorwithgunsthatfirethirtytimesaminute。Themenwhohavethegreaterdesiretofightalwaysputthemselves，too，inthemoreadvantageouspositionforfighting。Thespiritofthearmyisthefactorwhichmultipliedbythemassgivestheproductoftheforce。Todefineandexpressthesignificanceofthisunknownfactor，thespiritofthearmy，istheproblemofscience。
Thisproblemcanonlybesolvedwhenweceasearbitrarilysubstitutingforthatunknownfactorxtheconditionsunderwhichtheforceismanifested，suchastheplansofthegeneral，thearmingofthemenandsoon，andrecognisethisunknownfactorinitsentiretyasthegreaterorlessdesiretofightandfacedanger。Thenonlybyexpressingknownhistoricalfactsinequationscanonehopefromcomparisonoftherelativevalueofthisunknownfactortoapproachitsdefinition。Tenmen，orbattalionsordivisionsarevictoriousfightingwithfifteenmenorbattalionsordivisions，thatis，theykillortakeprisonerallofthemwhilelosingfouroftheirownside，sothatthelosshasbeenfourononesideandfifteenontheother。Consequently，fourononesidehavebeenequivalenttofifteenontheother，andconsequently4x=15y。Consequentlyx/y=15/4。Thisequationdoesnotgiveusthevalueoftheunknownfactors，butitdoesgiveustheratiobetweentheirvalues。Andfromthereductiontosuchequationsofvarioushistoricalunits（battles，campaigns，periodsofwarfare）aseriesofnumbersareobtained，inwhichtheremustbeandmaybediscoveredhistoricallaws。
Thestrategicprinciple，thatarmiesshouldactinmassesontheoffensive，andshouldbreakupintosmallergroupsforretreat，unconsciouslyconfirmsthetruththattheforceofanarmydependsonitsspirit。Toleadmenforwardunderfireneedsmorediscipline（whichcanonlybeattainedbymarchinginmasses）thanisneededforself—defencewhenattacked。Butthisrule，whichleavesoutofsightthespiritofthearmy，iscontinuallyprovingunsound，andisstrikinglyuntrueinpracticeinallnationalwars，whenthereisagreatriseorfallinthespiritofthearmies。
TheFrench，ontheirretreatin1812，thoughtheyshould，bythelawsoftactics，havedefendedthemselvesindetachedgroups，huddledtogetherinacrowd，becausethespiritofthemenhadsunksolowthatitwasonlytheirnumberthatkeptthemup。TheRussiansshould，onthecontrary，bythelawsoftactics，haveattackedtheminamass，butinfactattackedinscatteredcompanies，becausethespiritofthemenransohighthatindividualmenkilledtheFrenchwithoutorders，andneedednocompulsiontofacehardshipsanddangers。
Chapter3
THESO—CALLED“PARTISAN”WARFAREhadbegunwiththeenemy’sentranceintoSmolensk。Beforetheirregularwarfarewasofficiallyrecognisedbyourgovernmentmanythousandsoftheenemy’ssoldiers—straggling，marauding，orforagingparties—hadbeenslainbyCossacksandpeasants，whokilledthesemenasinstinctivelyasdogssetuponastraymaddog。DenisDavydovwasthefirsttofeelwithhisRussianinstinctthevalueofthisterriblecudgelwhichbelabouredtheFrench，andaskednoquestionsabouttheetiquetteofthemilitaryart；andtohimbelongsthecreditofthefirststeptowardstherecognitionofthismethodofwarfare。
Thefirstdetachmentofirregulars—Davydov’s—wasformedonthe24thofAugust，andotherssoonfollowed。Inthelatterstagesofthecampaignthesedetachmentsbecamemoreandmorenumerous。
TheirregularsdestroyedtheGrandeArméepiecemeal。Theysweptupthefallenleavesthatweredroppingofthemselvesfromthewitheredtree，andsometimestheyshookthetreeitself。ByOctober，whentheFrenchwerefleeingtoSmolensk，therewerehundredsofthesecompanies，differingwidelyfromoneanotherinnumberandincharacter。Someweredetachmentsthatfollowedalltheusualroutineofanarmy，withinfantry，artillery，staff—officers，andalltheconveniencesoflife。SomeconsistedonlyofCossacks，mountedmen。Othersweresmallbandsofmen，onfootandalsomounted。Someconsistedofpeasants，oroflandownersandtheirserfs，andremainedunknown。Therewasadeaconattheheadofsuchaband，whotookseveralhundredprisonersinamonth。Therewasthevillageelder’swife，Vassilisa，whokilledhundredsoftheFrench。
ThelatterpartofOctoberwasthetimewhenthisguerillawarfarereacheditsheight。Thatperiodofthiswarfare，inwhichtheirregularswerethemselvesamazedattheirownaudacity，wereeverymomentindreadofbeingsurroundedandcapturedbytheFrench，andneverunsaddling，hardlydismounting，hidinthewoods，inmomentaryexpectationofpursuit，wasalreadyover。Theirregularwarfarehadbynowtakendefiniteshape；ithadbecomecleartoalltheirregularswhattheycould，andwhattheycouldnot，accomplishwiththeFrench。Bynowitwasonlythecommandersofdetachmentsmarchingwithstaff—officersaccordingtotherulesatadistancefromtheFrenchwhoconsideredmuchimpossible。Thesmallbandsofirregularswhohadbeenatworkalongwhile，andwereatclosequarterswiththeFrench，founditpossibletoattemptwhattheleadersoflargercompaniesdidnotdaretothinkofdoing。TheCossacksandthepeasants，whocreptinamongtheFrench，thoughteverythingpossiblenow。
Onthe22ndofOctober，Denisov，whowasaleaderofabandofirregulars，waseagerlyengagedinatypicaloperationofthisirregularwarfare。Fromearlymorninghehadbeenwithhismenmovingaboutthewoodsthatborderedthehighroad，watchingabigconvoyofcavalrybaggageandRussianprisonersthathaddroppedbehindtheotherFrenchtroops，andunderstrongescort—ashelearnedfromhisscoutsandfromprisoners—wasmakingitswaytoSmolensk。NotonlyDenisovandDolohov（whowasalsoaleaderofasmallbandactinginthesamedistrict）wereawareofthepresenceofthisconvoy。Somegeneralsincommandofsomelargerdetachments，withstaff—officersalso，knewofthisconvoy，and，asDenisovsaid，theirmouthswerewateringforit。Twoofthesegenerals—oneaPole，theotheraGerman—hadalmostatthesametimesenttoDenisovaninvitationtojointheirrespectivedetachmentsinattackingtheconvoy。
“No，friend，Iwasn’tbornyesterday！”saidDenisov，onreadingthesedocuments；andhewrotetotheGermanthatinspiteofhisardentdesiretoserveundersobrilliantandrenownedageneral，hemustdeprivehimselfofthathappinessbecausehewasalreadyunderthecommandofthePolishgeneral。TothePolehewrotethesamething，informinghimthathewasalreadyservingunderthecommandoftheGerman。
Havingthusdisposedofthatdifficulty，Denisov，withoutcommunicatingonthesubjecttothehigherauthorities，intendedwithDolohovtoattackandcarryoffthistransportwithhisownsmallforce。Thetransportwas，onthe22ndofOctober，goingfromthevillageofMikulinotothevillageofShamshevo。OntheleftsideoftheroadbetweenMikulinoandShamshevothereweregreatwoods，whichinplacesborderedontheroad，andinplaceswereaverstormorefromtheroad。Denisov，withasmallpartyoffollowers，hadbeenthewholedayridingaboutinthesewoods，sometimesplungingintotheircentre，andsometimescomingoutattheedge，butneverlosingsightofthemovingFrench。Inthemorning，notfarfromMikulino，wherethewoodranclosetotheroad，theCossacksofDenisov’spartyhadpouncedontwoFrenchwaggonloadsofsaddles，stuckinthemud，andhadcarriedthemoffintothewood。Fromthattimerightontoevening，theyhadbeenwatchingthemovementsoftheFrenchwithoutattackingthem。Theywantedtoavoidfrighteningthem，andtoletthemgoquietlyontoShamshevo，andthen，joiningDolohov（whowastocomethateveningtoatrysting—placeinthewood，averstfromShamshevo，toconcertmeasureswiththem），fromtwosidestofallatdawnlikeanavalancheofsnowontheirheads，andtoovercomeandcaptureallofthematablow。
SixCossackshadbeenleftbehind，twoverstsfromMikulino，wherethewoodborderedtheroad。TheyweretobringwordatonceassoonasanyfreshcolumnsofFrenchcameintosight。
InfrontofShamshevo，DolohovwasinthesamewaytowatchtheroadtoknowatwhatdistancetherewereotherFrenchtroops。Withthetransportthereweresupposedtobefifteenhundredmen。Denisovhadtwohundredmen，andDolohovmighthaveasmanymore。ButsuperiorityinnumberswasnoobstacletoDenisov。Therewasonlyonethingthathestillneededtoknow，andthatwaswhattroopsthesewere；andforthatobjectDenisovneededtotakea“tongue”（thatis，somemanbelongingtothatcolumnoftheenemy）。TheattackonthewaggonsinthemorningwasalldonewithsuchhastethattheykilledalltheFrenchsoldiersinchargeofthewaggons，andcapturedaliveonlyalittledrummer—boy，whohadstraggledawayfromhisownregiment，andcouldtellthemnothingcertainaboutthetroopsformingthecolumn。
Tomakeanotherdescentuponthem，Denisovthought，wouldbetoriskalarmingthewholecolumn，andsohesentonaheadtoShamshevoapeasant，TihonShtcherbatov，totryifhecouldcaptureatleastoneoftheFrenchquartermastersfromthevanguard。
Chapter4
ITwasawarm，rainy，autumnday。Theskyandthehorizonwerealloftheuniformtintofmuddywater。Sometimesamistseemedtobefalling，andsometimestherewasasuddendownpourofheavy，slantingrain。
Denisov，inalongcapeandahighfurcap，bothstreamingwithwater，wasridingathin，pinched—looking，thoroughbredhorse。Withhisheadaslant，andhisearsprickedup，likehishorse，hewasfrowningatthedrivingrain，andanxiouslylookingbeforehim。Hisface，whichhadgrownthin，andwascoveredwithathick，short，blackheard，lookedwrathful。
BesideDenisov，wearingalsoalongcapeandahighcap，andmountedonasleek，sturdyDonhorse，rodetheesaul，orhetmanoftheCossacks—Denisov’spartnerinhisenterprises。
Theesaul，LovaiskytheThird，alsoinacape，andahighcap，wasalongcreature，flatasaboard，withapaleface，flaxenhair，narrow，lighteyes，andanexpressionofcalmself—confidencebothinhisfaceandhisattitude。Thoughitwasimpossibletosaywhatconstitutedthepeculiarityofhorseandrider，atthefirstglanceattheesaulandatDenisov，itwasevidentthatDenisovwasbothwetanduncomfortable；thatDenisovwasamansittingonahorse；whiletheesaulseemedascomfortableandcalmasalways，andseemednotamansittingonahorse，butamanformingonewholewithahorse—asinglebeingenlargedbythestrengthoftwo。
Alittleaheadofthemwalkedapeasant—guide，soakedthroughandthroughinhisgreyfullcoatandwhitecap。
Alittlebehind，onathin，delicateKirghizponywithaflowingtailandmane，andamouthfleckedwithblood，rodeayoungofficerinablueFrenchmilitarycoat。Besidehimrodeanhussar，withaboyinatatteredFrenchuniformandbluecap，percheduponhishorsebehindhim。Theboyheldontothehussarwithhandsredwithcold，andkeptmovinghisbarefeet，tryingtowarmthem，andliftinghiseyebrows，gazedabouthimwonderingly。ThiswastheFrenchdrummer，whohadbeentakeninthemorning。
Alongthenarrow，muddy，cut—upforest—tracktherecamehussarsinknotsofthreeandfouratatime，andthenCossacks；someincapes，someinFrenchcloaks；otherswithhorse—clothspulledovertheirheads。Thehorses，chestnutandbay，alllookedblackfromthesoakingrain。Theirneckslookedstrangelythinwiththeirdrenchedmanes，andsteamroseincloudsfromthem。Clothes，saddles，andbridles，allwerestickyandswollenwiththewet，liketheearthandthefallenleaveswithwhichthetrackwasstrewn。Themensathuddledup，tryingnottomove，soastokeepwarmthewaterthathadalreadyreachedtheirskins，andnottoletanyfreshstreamofcoldraintrickleinanywhereundertheirseat，orattheirkneesornecks。InthemidstofthefileofCossackstwowaggons，drawnbyFrenchhorses，andCossacksaddle—horseshitchedoninfront，rumbledoverstumpsandbranches，andsplashedthroughtherutsfullofwater。
Denisov’shorse，inavoidingapuddleinthetrack，knockedhisrider’skneeagainstatree。
“Ah，devil！”Denisovcriedangrily；andshowinghisteeth，hestruckhishorsethreetimeswithhiswhip，splashinghimselfandhiscomradeswithmud。Denisovwasoutofhumour，bothfromtherainandhunger（noonehadeatenanythingsincemorning）；and，mostofall，fromhavingnonewsofDolohov，andfromnoFrenchprisonerhavingbeencaughttogivehiminformation。
“Weshallneverhavesuchanotherchancetofallonthetransportasto—day。Toattackthemalonewouldberisky，andtoputitofftoanotherday—someoneofthebiggerleaderswillcarrythebootyofffromunderournoses，”thoughtDenisov，continuallylookingahead，andfancyinghesawthemessengerfromDolohovheexpected。
Comingoutintoaclearingfromwhichhecouldgetaviewtosomedistanceontheright，Denisovstopped。
“There’ssomeonecoming，”hesaid。
TheesaullookedinthedirectionDenisovwaspointingto。
“Therearetwomencoming—anofficerandaCossack。OnlyIwouldn’tbeprepositivethatisthecolonelhimself，”saidtheesaul，wholovedtousewordsthatwereunfamiliartotheCossacks。Thetwofigures，ridingdownhill，disappearedfromsight，andcameintoviewagainafewminuteslater。Theforemostwasanofficer，dishevelledlooking，andsoakedthrough，withhistrouserstuckedupabovehisknees；hewaslashinghishorseintoawearygallop。BehindhimaCossacktrottedalong，standingupinhisstirrups。Thisofficer，aquiteyoungboy，withabroad，rosyfaceandkeen，merryeyes，gallopeduptoDenisov，andhandedhimasoppingpacket。
“Fromthegeneral，”hesaid。“Imustapologiseforitsnotbeingquitedry。…”
Denisov，frowning，tookthepacketandbrokeitopen。
“Why，theykepttellingusitwassodangerous，”saidtheofficer，turningtotheesaulwhileDenisovwasreadingtheletter。“ButKomarov”—andheindicatedtheCossack—“andIwereprepared。Wehavebothtwopisto…Butwhat’sthis？”heasked，seeingtheFrenchdrummer—boy。“Aprisoner？Youhavehadabattlealready？MayItalktohim？”
“Rostov！Petya！”Denisovcriedatthatmoment，runningthroughthepacketthathadbeengivenhim。“Why，howwasityoudidn’tsaywhoyouwere？”andDenisov，turningwithasmile，heldouthishandtotheofficer。ThisofficerwasPetyaRostov。
PetyahadbeenallthewaypreparinghimselftobehavewithDenisovasagrown—uppersonandanofficershoulddo，makingnoreferencetotheirpreviousacquaintance。ButassoonasDenisovsmiledathim，Petyabeamedatonce，blushedwithdelight，andforgettingalltheformaldemeanourhehadbeenintendingtopreserve，hebegantellinghimhowhehadriddenbytheFrench，andhowgladhewashehadbeengiventhiscommission，andhowhehadalreadybeeninabattleatVyazma，andhowacertainhussarhaddistinguishedhimselfinit。
“Well，Iamgladtoseeyou，”Denisovinterruptedhim，andhisfacelookedanxiousagain。
“MihailFeoklititch，”hesaidtotheesaul，“thisisfromtheGermanagain，youknow。He”（Petya）“isinhissuite。”AndDenisovtoldtheesaulthattheletter，whichhadjustbeenbrought，repeatedtheGermangeneral’srequestthattheywouldjoinhiminattackingthetransport。“Ifwedon’tcatchthembyto—morrow，he’llsnatchthemfromunderournoses，”heconcluded。
WhileDenisovwastalkingtotheesaul，Petya，disconcertedbyDenisov’scoldtone，andimaginingthatthattonemightbeduetotheconditionofhistrousers，furtivelypulledthemdownunderhiscloak，tryingtodosounobserved，andtomaintainasmartialanairaspossible。
“Willyourhonourhaveanyinstructionstogiveme？”hesaidtoDenisov，puttinghishandtothepeakofhiscap，andgoingbacktothecomedyofadjutantandgeneral，whichhehadpreparedhimselftoperform，“orshouldIremainwithyourhonour？”
“Instructions？…”saidDenisovabsently。“Well，canyoustaytilltomorrow？”
“Oh，please…MayIstaywithyou？”criedPetya。
“Well，whatwereyourinstructionsfromyourgeneral—togobackatonce？”askedDenisov。
Petyablushed。
“Oh，hegavemenoinstructions。IthinkImay？”hesaidinterrogatively。
“Allright，then，”saidDenisov。Andturningtohisfollowers，hedirectedapartyofthemtogotothehutinthewood，whichtheyhadfixedonasaresting—place，andtheofficerontheKirghizhorse（thisofficerperformedthedutiesofanadjutant）togoandlookforDolohov，tofindoutwherehewas，andwhetherhewerecomingintheevening。
Denisovhimself，withtheesaulandPetya，intendedtoridetotheedgeofthewoodnearShamshevotohavealookatthepositionoftheFrench，wheretheirattacknextdaywastotakeplace。
“Come，myman，”hesaidtotheirpeasantguide，“takeustoShamshevo。”
Denisov，Petya，andtheesaul，accompaniedbyafewCossacksandthehussarwiththeprisoner，turnedtotheleftandcrossedaravinetowardstheedgeofthewood。
Chapter5
THERAINwasover，butamistwasfallinganddropsofwaterdrippedfromthebranchesofthetrees。Denisov，theesaul，andPetya，insilence，followedthepeasantinthepointedcap，who，steppinglightlyandnoiselesslyinhisbastshoesoverrootsandwetleaves，ledthemtotheedgeofthewood。
Comingoutontheroad，thepeasantpaused，lookedabouthim，andturnedtowardathinscreenoftrees。Hestoodstillatabigoak，stillcoveredwithleaves，andbeckonedmysteriouslytothem。
DenisovandPetyarodeuptohim。FromtheplacewherethepeasantwasstandingtheFrenchcouldbeseen。Justbeyondthewoodafieldofspringcornransharplydownhill。Ontheright，acrossasteepravine，couldbeseenalittlevillageandamanor—housewiththeroofsbrokendown。Inthatvillageandinthehouseandalloverthehighgroundinthegarden，bythewellsandthepond，andallalongtheroaduphillfromthebridgetothevillage，notmorethanfivehundredyardsaway，crowdsofmencouldbeseenintheshiftingmist。Theycoulddistinctlyheartheirforeigncriesatthehorsespullingthebaggageuphillandtheircallstooneanother。
“Givemetheprisonerhere，”saidDenisov，inalowvoice，nevertakinghiseyesofftheFrench。
ACossackgotoffhishorse，liftedtheboydown，andcamewithhimtoDenisov。Denisov，pointingtotheFrench，askedtheboywhattroopstheywere。Theboy，thrustinghischilledhandsintohispocketsandraisinghiseyebrows，lookedindismayatDenisov，andinspiteofhisunmistakabledesiretotellallheknew，hewasconfusedinhisanswers，andmerelyrepeatedDenisov’squestions。Denisov，frowning，turnedawayfromhim，andaddressingtheesaul，toldhimhisownviewsonthematter。
Petya，turninghisheadrapidly，lookedfromthedrummertoDenisov，andfromtheesaultotheFrenchinthevillageandontheroad，tryingnottomissanythingofimportance。
“WhetherDolohovcomesornot，wemusttakethem。…Eh？”saidDenisov，hiseyessparklingmerrily。
“Itisaconvenientspot，”saidtheesaul。
“Wewillsendtheinfantrydownbelow，bythemarshes，”Denisovwenton。“Theywillcreepuptothegarden；youdashdownwiththeCossacksfromthere”—Denisovpointedtothewoodbeyondthevillage—“andIfromherewithmyhussars。Andatashot…”
“Itwon’tdotogobythehollow；it’sabog，”saidtheesaul。“Thehorseswillsinkin，youmustskirtroundmoretotheleft。…”
Whiletheyweretalkinginundertones，therewasthecrackofashotandapuffofwhitesmokeinthehollowbelownearthepond，andthevoicesofhundredsofFrenchmenhalfwayupthehillroseinaringingshout，asthoughinmerrychorus。AtthefirstminutebothDenisovandtheesauldartedback。Theyweresonearthattheyfanciedtheywerethecauseofthatshotandthoseshouts。Buttheyhadnothingtodowiththem。Amaninsomethingredwasrunningthroughthemarshesbelow。TheFrenchwereevidentlyfiringandshoutingathim。
“Why，it’sourTihon，”saidtheesaul。
“It’she！it’she！”
“Therogue，”saidDenisov。
“He’llgetaway！”saidtheesaul，screwinguphiseyes。
ThemantheycalledTihon，runninguptothelittleriver，splashedintoit，sothatthewaterspurteduproundhim，anddisappearingforaninstant，scrambledoutonallfours，lookingdarkfromthewater，andranon。TheFrench，whohadbeenpursuinghim，stopped。
“Well，he’sasmartfellow，”saidtheesaul。
“Thebeast，”saidDenisov，withthesameexpressionofvexation。“Andwhathashebeenaboutallthistime？”
“Whoishe？”askedPetya。
“It’sourscout。Isenthimtocatcha‘tongue’forus。”
“Ah，tobesure，”saidPetya，noddingatDenisov’sfirstword，asthoughheknewallaboutit，thoughhedidnotunderstandaword。
TihonShtcherbatovwasoneofthemostusefulmenamongDenisov’sfollowers。HewasapeasantofthevillageofPokrovskoe，nearGzhat。DenisovhadcometoPokrovskoeearlyinhisoperationsasaguerillaleader，andsending，ashealwaysdid，forthevillageelder，askedhimwhatheknewabouttheFrench。
Thevillageelderhadanswered，asallvillageeldersalwaysdidanswer，thatheknewnothingaboutthem，andhadseennothingofthem。ButwhenDenisovexplainedtohimthathisobjectwastokilltheFrench，andinquiredwhethernoFrenchhadstrayedintohisvillage，thevillageelderrepliedthattherehadbeensomemiroderscertainly，butthattheonlypersonwhotookanyheedofsuchthingswasTishkaShtcherbatov。DenisovorderedTihontobebroughtbeforehim，andpraisinghisactivity，saidinthepresenceoftheelderafewwordsaboutthedevotiontotheTsarandtheFatherlandandthehatredoftheFrenchthatallsonsoftheFatherlandmustcherishintheirhearts。
“Wedon’tdoanyharmtotheFrench，”saidTihon，evidentlyscaredatDenisov’swords。“It’sonly，youknow，justabitoffunfortheladsandme。Themirodersnow—wehavekilledadozenorsoofthem，butwehavedonenoharmelse…”
Nextday，whenDenisovwasleavingPokrovskoe，havingforgottenallaboutthispeasant，hewastoldthatTihonwaswithhisfollowers，andaskedtobeallowedtoremainwiththem。Denisovbadethemlethimstay。
AtfirstTihonundertooktheroughworkofmakingfires，fetchingwater，skinninghorses，andsoon，buthesoonshowedgreatzealandcapacityforguerillawarfare。Hewouldgoafterbootyatnight，andneverfailedtobringbackFrenchclothesandweapons，andwhenhewasbidden，hewouldbringbackprisonerstoo。DenisovtookTihonfromhismenialwork，andbegantoemployhimonexpeditions，andtoreckonhimamongtheCossacks。
Tihondidnotlikeriding，andalwayswentonfoot，yetneverlaggedbehindthecavalry。Hisweaponswereamusket，whichhecarriedratherasajoke，apike，andanaxe，whichheusedasskilfullyasawolfdoesitsteeth—catchingfleasinitscoatandcrunchingthickboneswiththemequallyeasily。WithequalprecisionTihonswinginghisaxesplitlogs，or，takingitbythehead，cutthinskewersorcarvedspoons。AmongDenisov’sfollowers，Tihonwasonaspecialfootingofhisown。Whenanythingparticularlydisagreeableorrevoltinghadtobedone—toputone’sshouldertoawaggonstuckinthemud，todragahorseoutofabogbythetail，toflayahorse，tocreepintothemidstoftheFrench，towalkfiftyverstsinaday—everyonelaughed，andlookedtoTihontodoit。
“Noharmwillcometohim；thedevil；he’sastalwartbeast，”theyusedtosayofhim。
OnedayaFrenchmanhehadcapturedwoundedTihonwithapistol—shotinthefleshypartoftheback。Thiswound，whichTihontreatedonlybyapplicationsofvodka—internalandexternal—wasthesubjectoftheliveliestjokesthroughthewholeparty，andTihonlenthimselfreadilytotheirjests。
“Well，oldchap，youwon’tdothatagain！Areyoucrook—backed！”laughedtheCossacks；andTihon，assumingadolefulface，andgrimacingtopretendhewasangry，wouldabusetheFrenchwiththemostcomicaloaths。TheeffectoftheincidentonTihonwasthatherarelyafterwardsbroughtprisonersin。
Tihonwasthebravestandmostusefulmanofthelot。Noonediscoveredsomanyopportunitiesofattack，noonecapturedorkilledsomanyFrenchmen。AndconsequentlyhewasthefavouritesubjectofallthegibesoftheCossacksandthehussars，andreadilyfellinwiththeposition。
TihonhadbeensentovernightbyDenisovtoShamshevotocapturea“tongue。”ButeitherbecausehewasnotsatisfiedwithoneFrenchprisoner，orbecausehehadbeenasleepallnight，hehadcreptbydayintothebushesintheverymiddleoftheFrench，and，asDenisovhadseenfromthehill，hadbeendiscoveredbythem。
Chapter6
AFTERTALKINGalittlewhilelongerwiththeesaulaboutthenextday’sattack，whichDenisovseemedtohavefinallydecideduponafterseeinghowneartheFrenchwere，heturnedhishorse’sheadandrodeback。
“Now，myboy，wewillgoanddryourselves，”hesaidtoPetya。
Ashecameneartheforester’shut，Denisovstopped，lookingintothewoodbeforehim。Amaninashortjacket，bastshoes，andaKazanhat，withagunacrosshisshoulder，andanaxeinhisbelt，wasstridinglightlythroughtheforestwithlonglegsandlongarmsswingingathisside。CatchingsightofDenisov，hehastilyflungsomethingintothebushes，andtakingoffhissoppedhat，thebrimofwhichdroopedlimply，hewalkeduptohiscommandingofficer。
ThiswasTihon。Hispock—markedandwrinkledface，withlittleslitsofeyes，beamedwithself—satisfactionandmerriment。Heheldhisheadhigh，andlookedstraightatDenisovasthoughheweresuppressingalaugh。
“Well，wherehaveyoubeen？”saidDenisov。
“WherehaveIbeen？IhavebeenaftertheFrench，”Tihonansweredboldlyandhastily，inahusky，butmellowbass。
“Whydidyoucreepininthedaytime？Ass！Well，whydidn’tyoucatchone？”
“CatchoneIdid，”saidTihon。
“Whereishe，then？”
“Icaughtoneattheveryfirstatdaybreak，”Tihonwenton，settinghisfeetdownwiderapart，intheirflat，turned—upbastshoes；“andItookhimintothewoodtoo。Iseehe’snogood。So，thinksI，bettergoandgetanother，rathermoretheproperarticle。”
“Ay，therogue，sothat’showitis，”saidDenisovtotheesaul。“Whydidn’tyoubringthatone？”
“Why，whatwastheuseofbringinghimin？”Tihonbrokein，hurriedlyandangrily。“Aworthlessfellow！Don’tIknowwhatsortyouwant？”
“Ah，youbrute！…Well？”
“Iwenttogetanother，”Tihonwenton。“Icreptupinthiswayinthewood，andIlaydown。”Withasudden，supplemovement，Tihonlaydownonhisstomach，toshowhowhehaddonethis。“Oneturnedup，”hewenton，“Iseizedhimlikethis，”Tihonjumpedupswiftlyandlightly。“‘Comealongtothecolonel，’saysI。Hesetupsuchashouting，andthenIsawfourofthem。Andtheyrushedatmewiththeirsabres。Iwentatthemlikethiswithmyaxe。‘Whatareyouabout？’saysI。‘Christbewithyou，’”criedTihon，wavinghisarmsandsquaringhischestwithamenacingscowl。
“Ohyes，wesawfromthehillhowyougavethemtheslip，throughthepools，”saidtheesaul，screwinguphissparklingeyes。
Petyahadagreatlongingtolaugh，buthesawthatalltheothersrefrainedfromlaughing。HekeptlookingrapidlyfromTihon’sfacetothefaceoftheesaulandDenisov，notknowingwhattomakeofitall。
“Don’tplaythefool，”saidDenisov，coughingangrily。“Whydidn’tyoubringthefirstman？”
Tihonbeganscratchinghisbackwithonehandandhisheadwiththeother，andallatoncehiscountenanceexpandedintoabeaming，foolishgrin，showingthelossofatooththathadgivenhimhisname，Shtcherbatov（i。e。lackingatooth）。Denisovsmiled，andPetyawentoffintoamerrypealoflaughter，inwhichTihonhimselfjoined。
“Why，hewasnogoodatall，”saidTihon。“Hewassobadlydressed，howcouldIbringhim？Andacoarsefellow，yourhonour。Why，sayshe，‘I’mageneral’sson，’sayshe，‘I’mnotgoing。’”
“Ugh，youbrute！”saidDenisov。“Iwantedtoquestionhim…”
“Oh，Ididquestionhim，”saidTihon。“Hesaidhedidn’tknowmuch。“Therearealotofourmen，’sayshe，‘buttheyareallpoorcreatures；that’sallyoucansayforthem。Giveagoodshout，’sayshe，‘andyoucantakethemall，’”Tihonconcluded，withamerryanddeterminedlookatDenisov。
“Mind，I’llgiveyouagoodhundredlashesthatwillteachyoutoplaythefool，”saidDenisovsternly。
“Whybeangry，”saidTihon，“becauseIhaven’tseenyoursortofFrenchmen？Assoonasitgetsdark，I’llcatchwhateverkindyoulike，threeofthemI’llbring。”
“Well，comealong，”saidDenisov，andallthewaytotheforester’shuthewassilent，frowningangrily。
Tihonwaswalkingbehind，andPetyaheardtheCossackslaughingwithhimandathimaboutapairofbootsthathehadthrownintothebushes。
WhenthelaughterrousedbyTihon’swordsandsmilehadpassed，andPetyaunderstoodforamomentthatTihonhadkilledtheman，hehadanuneasyfeeling。Helookedroundattheboyprisoner，andtherewasasuddenpanginhisheart。Butthatuneasinessonlylastedamoment。Hefeltitincumbentonhimtoholdhisheadhigh，andwithaboldandimportantairtoquestiontheesaulaboutthenextday’sexpedition，thathemightnotbeunworthyofthecompanyinwhichhefoundhimself。
TheofficerDenisovhadsenttoDolohovmethimonthewaywiththenewsthateverythingwasgoingwellwithDolohov，andthathewascominghimselfimmediately。
Denisovatoncebecamemorecheerful，andbeckonedPetyatohim。
“Come，tellmeaboutyourself，”hesaid。
Chapter7
ONLEAVINGMOSCOW，Petyahadpartedfromhisparentstojoinhisregiment，andshortlyafterwardshadbeenappointedanorderlyinattendanceonageneralwhowasincommandofalargedetachment。Fromthetimeofsecuringhiscommission，andevenmoresincejoiningaregimentinactiveservice，andtakingpartinthebattleofVyazma，Petyahadbeeninacontinualstateofhappyexcitementatbeinggrown—up，andofintenseanxietynottomissanyopportunityofrealheroism。Hewashighlydelightedwithallhehadseenandexperiencedinthearmy，but，atthesametime，hewasalwaysfancyingthatwhereverhewasnot，therethemostrealandheroicexploitswereatthatverymomentbeingperformed。Andhewasinconstanthastetobewherehewasnot。
Onthe21stofOctober，whenhisgeneralexpressedadesiretosendsomeonetoDenisov’scompany，Petyahadsopiteouslybesoughthimtosendhim，thatthegeneralcouldnotrefuse。But，ashewassendinghimoff，thegeneralrecollectedPetya’sfoolhardybehaviouratthebattleofVyazma，when，insteadofridingbywayoftheroadtotakeamessage，PetyahadgallopedacrossthelinesunderthefireoftheFrench，andhadtherefiredacoupleofpistol—shots。Recallingthatprank，thegeneralexplicitlyforbadePetya’stakingpartinanyenterprisewhateverthatDenisovmightbeplanning。ThiswaswhyPetyahadblushedandbeendisconcertedwhenDenisovaskedhimifhemightstay。Fromthemomenthesetofftillhereachedtheedgeofthewood，Petyahadfullyintendedtodohisdutysteadily，andtoreturnatonce。ButwhenhesawtheFrench，andsawTihon，andlearnedthattheattackwouldcertainlytakeplacethatnight，withtherapidtransitionfromoneviewtoanother，characteristicofyoungpeople，hemadeuphismindthathisgeneral，forwhomhehadtillthatmomenthadthegreatestrespect，wasapoorstick，andonlyaGerman，thatDenisovwasahero，andtheesaulahero，andTihonahero，andthatitwouldbeshamefultoleavethematamomentofdifficulty。
ItwasgettingdarkwhenDenisov，withPetyaandtheesaul，reachedtheforester’shut。Inthehalf—darktheycouldseesaddledhorses，Cossacksandhussars，riggingupshantiesintheclearing，andbuildingupaglowingfireinahollownear，wherethesmokewouldnotbeseenbytheFrench。IntheporchofthelittlehuttherewasaCossackwithhissleevestuckedup，cuttingupasheep。Inthehut，threeofficersofDenisov’sbandweresettingupatablemadeupofdoors。Petyatookoffhiswetclothes，gavethemtobedried，andatoncesettoworktohelptheofficersinfixingupadining—table。
Intenminutesthetablewasreadyandcoveredwithanapkin。Onthetablewassetvodka，aflaskofrum，whitebread，androastmutton，andsalt。
Sittingatthetablewiththeofficers，tearingthefat，savourymuttonwithgreasyfingers，Petyawasinachildishlyenthusiasticconditionoftenderloveforallmenandaconsequentbeliefinthesamefeelingforhimselfinothers。
“Sowhatdoyouthink，VassilyFyodorovitch，”hesaidtoDenisov，“itwon’tmattermystayingadaywithyou，willit？”Andwithoutwaitingforananswer，heansweredhimself:“Why，Iwastoldtofindout，andhereIamfindingout…Onlyyoumustletmegointothemiddle…intothereal…Idon’tcareaboutrewards…ButIdowant…”Petyaclenchedhisteethandlookedabouthim，tossinghisheadandwavinghisarm。
“Intothereal，realthing…”Denisovsaid，smiling。
“Only，please，dogivemeacommandofsomethingaltogether，sothatIreallymightcommand，”Petyawenton。“Why，whatwoulditbetoyou？Ah，youwantaknife？”hesaidtoanofficer，whowastryingtotearoffapieceofmutton。Andhegavehimhispocket—knife。
Theofficerpraisedtheknife。
“Pleasekeepit。Ihaveseverallikeit…”saidPetya，blushing。“Heavens！Why，Iwasquiteforgetting，”hecriedsuddenly。“Ihavesomecapitalraisins，youknowthesortwithoutstones。Wehaveanewcanteen—keeper，andhedoesgetfirst—ratethings。Iboughttenpoundsofthem。I’mfondofsweetthings。Willyouhavesome？”…andPetyaranouttohisCossackintheporch，andbroughtinsomepanniersinwhichtherewerefivepoundsofraisins。“Pleasetakesome。”
“Don’tyouneedacoffee—pot？”hesaidtotheesaul；“Iboughtafamousonefromourcanteen—keeper！Hehasfirst—ratethings。Andhe’sveryhonest。That’sthegreatthing。I’llbesureandsendityou。Orperhapsyourflintsarewornout；thatdoeshappensometimes。Ibroughtsomewithme，Ihavegotthemhere…”hepointedtothepanniers。“Ahundredflints。Iboughtthemverycheap。Youmustpleasetakeasmanyasyouwantorall，indeed…”Andsuddenly，dismayedatthethoughtthathehadlethistonguerunawaywithhim，Petyastoppedshortandblushed。
Hebegantryingtothinkwhetherhehadbeenguiltyofanyotherblunders。AndrunningthroughhisrecollectionsofthedaytheimageoftheFrenchdrummer—boyrosebeforehismind。
“Weareenjoyingourselves，buthowishefeeling？Whathavetheydonewithhim？Havetheygivenhimsomethingtoeat？Havetheybeennastytohim？”hewondered。
Butthinkinghehadsaidtoomuchabouttheflints，hewasafraidtospeaknow。
“CouldIaskabouthim？”hewondered。“They’llsay:he’saboyhimself，sohefeelsfortheboy。I’llletthemseeto—morrowwhetherI’maboy！ShallIfeelashamedifIask？”Petyawondered。“Oh，well！Idon’tcare，”andhesaidatonce，blushingandwatchingtheofficers’facesindreadofdetectingamusementinthem:
“MightIcallthatboywhowastakenprisoner，andgivehimsomethingtoeat…perhaps…”
“Yes，poorlittlefellow，”saidDenisov，whoclearlysawnothingtobeashamedofinthisreminder。“Fetchhiminhere。HisnameisVincentBosse。Fetchhimin。”
“I’llcallhim，”saidPetya。
“Yes，do。Poorlittlefellow，”repeatedDenisov。
PetyawasstandingatthedoorasDenisovsaidthis。HeslippedinbetweentheofficersandwentuptoDenisov。
“Letmekissyou，dearoldfellow，”hesaid。“Ah，howjollyitis！howsplendid！”And，kissingDenisov，heranoutintotheyard。
“Bosse！Vincent！”Petyacried，standingbythedoor。
“Whomdoyouwant，sir？”saidavoiceoutofthedarkness。PetyaansweredthathewantedtheFrenchboy，whohadbeentakenprisonerthatday。
“Ah！Vesenny？”saidtheCossack。
HisnameVincenthadalreadybeentransformedbytheCossacksintoVesenny，andbythepeasantsandthesoldiersintoVisenya。Inbothnamestherewasasuggestionofthespring—vesna—whichseemedtothemtoharmonisewiththefigureoftheyoungboy。
“He’swarminghimselfthereatthefire。Ay，Visenya！Visenya！”voicescalledfromonetoanotherwithlaughterinthedarkness。“Heisasharpboy，”saidanhussarstandingnearPetya。“Wegavehimamealnotlongago。Hewashungry，terribly。”
Therewasasoundoffootstepsinthedarkness，andthedrummer—boycamesplashingthroughthemudwithhisbarefeettowardsthedoor。
“Ah，that’syou！”saidPetya。“Areyouhungry？Don’tbeafraid，theywon’thurtyou，”headded，shylyandcordiallytouchinghishand。“Comein，comein。”
“Thankyou，”answeredthedrummer，inatrembling，almostchildishvoice，andhebeganwipingthemudoffhisfeetonthethreshold。Petyahadagreatdealhelongedtosaytothedrummer—boy，buthedidnotdare。Hestoodbyhimintheporch，movinguneasily。Thenhetookhishandinthedarknessandsqueezedit。“Comein，comein，”herepeated，butinasoftwhisper。
“Oh，ifIcouldonlydosomethingforhim！”Petyawassayinginwardly，andopeningthedoorheusheredtheboyinbeforehim。
Whenthedrummer—boyhadcomeintothehut，Petyasatdownatsomedistancefromhim，feelingthatitwouldbeloweringhisdignitytotakemuchnoticeofhim。Buthewasfeelingthemoneyinhispocketandwonderingwhetheritwoulddotogivesometothedrummer—boy。
Chapter8
DENISOVgaveordersforthedrummer—boytobegivensomevodkaandmutton，andtobeputintoaRussiandress，sothatheshouldnotbesentoffwiththeotherprisoners，butshouldstaywithhisband。Petya’sattentionwasdivertedfromtheboybythearrivalofDolohov。HehadheardagreatmanystoriestoldinthearmyofDolohov’sextraordinarygallantryandofhiscrueltytotheFrench。AndthereforefromthemomentDolohoventeredthehutPetyacouldnottakehiseyesoffhim，andflinginguphishead，heassumedamoreandmoreswaggingair，thathemightnotbeunworthyofassociatingevenwithaherolikeDolohov。
Dolohov’sappearancestruckPetyaasstrangethroughitssimplicity。
DenisovwasdressedinaCossackcoat；hehadlethisbeardgrow，andhadaholyimageofNikolay，thewonder—worker，onhisbreast。Hiswholemannerofspeakingandallhisgesturesweresuggestiveofhispeculiarposition。Dolohov，onthecontrary，thoughinolddayshehadwornaPersiandressinMoscow，lookednowlikethemostcorrectofficeroftheGuards。Hewasclean—shaven；heworethewaddedcoatoftheGuardswithaSt。Georgemedalonaribbon，andaplainforagecap，putonstraightonhishead。Hetookhiswetcloakoffinthecornerand，withoutgreetinganyone，wentstraightuptoDenisovandbeganatonceaskingquestionsaboutthematterinhand。DenisovtoldhimofthedesignsthelargerdetachmenthadupontheFrenchconvoy，ofthemessagePetyahadbrought，andtheanswerhehadgiventobothgenerals。ThenhetoldhimallheknewofthepositionoftheFrench。
“That’sso。Butwemustfindoutwhattroopstheyare，andwhataretheirnumbers，”saidDolohov；“wemustgoandhavealookatthem。Wecan’trushintothethingwithoutknowingforcertainhowmanythereareofthem。Iliketodothingsproperly。Come，won’toneofyougentlemenliketocomewithmetopaythemacallintheircamp？Ihaveanextrauniformwithme。”
“I，I…I’llcomewithyou！”criedPetya。
“There’snottheslightestneedforyoutogo，”saidDenisov，addressingDolohov；“andasforhimIwouldn’tlethimgoonanyaccount。”
“That’sgood！”criedPetya；“whyshouldn’tIgo？…”
“Why，becausethere’snoreasonto。”
“Oh，well，excuseme…because…because…I’mgoing，andthat’sall。Youwilltakeme？”hecried，turningtoDolohov。
“Whynot？…”Dolohovanswered，absently，staringintothefaceoftheFrenchdrummer—boy。
“Haveyouhadthatyoungsterlong？”heaskedDenisov。
“Wecaughthimto—day，butheknowsnothing；Ihavekepthimwithus。”
“Oh，andwhatdoyoudowiththerest？”saidDolohov。
“WhatdoIdowiththem？Itakeareceiptforthem，andsendthemoff！”criedDenisov，suddenlyflushing。“AndImakeboldtosaythatIhaven’tasingleman’slifeonmyconscience。Isthereanydifficultyinyoursendingthirty，orthreehundredmen，underescort，tothetownratherthanstain—Isaysobluntly—one’shonourasasoldier？”
“It’sallverywellforthislittlecounthereatsixteentotalkofsuchrefinements，”Dolohovsaid，withacoldsneer；“butit’shightimeforyoutodropallthat。”
“Why，Iamnotsayinganything，IonlysaythatIamcertainlygoingwithyou，”saidPetyashyly。
“Butformeandyou，mate，it’shightimetodropsuchdelicacy，”Dolohovwenton，apparentlyderivingpeculiargratificationfromtalkingonasubjectirritatingtoDenisov。“Whyhaveyoukeptthislad，”hesaid，“exceptbecauseyouaresorryforhim？Why，weallknowhowmuchyourreceiptsareworth。Yousendoffahundredmenandthirtyreachthetown。Theydieofhungerorarekilledontheway。Soisn’titjustaswelltomakeshortworkofthem？”
Theesaul，screwinguphislight—colouredeyes，noddedhisheadapprovingly。
“That’snotmyaffair，noneedtodiscussit。Idon’tcaretohavetheirlivesonmyconscience。Yousaytheydie。Well，letthem。Onlynotthroughmydoing。”
Dolohovlaughed。
“Whopreventedtheirtakingmetwentytimesover？Butyouknowiftheydocatchme—andyoutoowithyourchivalroussentiments—itwilljustbethesame—thenearestaspen—tree。”Hepaused。“Wemustbegettingtowork，though。SendmyCossackherewiththepack。IhavetwoFrenchuniforms。Well，areyoucomingwithme？”heaskedPetya。
“I？Yes，yes，ofcourse，”criedPetya，blushingtillthetearscameintohiseyes，andglancingatDenisov。
WhileDolohovhadbeenarguingwithDenisovwhatshouldbedonewithprisoners，Petyahadagainhadthatfeelingofdiscomfortandnervoushurry；butagainhehadnottimetogetaclearideaofwhattheyweretalkingabout。“Ifthat’swhatisthoughtbygrown—upmen，famousleaders，thenitmustbeso，itmustbeallright，”hethought。“Andthegreatthingis，thatDenisovshouldn’tdaretoimaginethatImustobeyhim，thathecanordermeabout。IshallcertainlygowithDolohovintotheFrenchcamp。Hecango，andsocanI！”
ToallDenisov’seffortstodissuadehimfromgoing，Petyarepliedthathetoolikeddoingthingsproperlyandnotinhaphazardfashion，andthatheneverthoughtaboutdangertohimself。
“For，youmustadmit，ifwedon’tknowexactlyhowmanymentherearethere，itmightcostthelifeofhundreds，anditisonlywetwo，andsoIverymuchwishit，andIshallcertainly，mostcertainlygo，anddon’ttrytopreventme，”hesaid；“itwon’tbeanyuse…”
Chapter9
PETYAANDDOLOHOV，afterdressingupinFrenchuniformsandshakoes，rodetotheclearingfromwhichDenisovhadlookedattheFrenchcamp，andcomingoutofthewood，descendedintothehollowinthepitchdarkness。Whentheyhadriddendownhill，DolohovbadetheCossacksaccompanyinghimtowaitthere，andsetoffatasmarttrotalongtheroadtowardsthebridge。Petya，faintwithexcitement，trottedalongbesidehim。
“Ifwearecaught，Iwon’tbetakenalive。Ihaveapistol，”whisperedPetya。
“Don’tspeakRussian，”saidDolohov，inarapidwhisper，andatthatmomenttheyheardinthedarkthechallenge:“Whogoesthere？”andtheclickofagun。
ThebloodrushedintoPetya’sface，andheclutchedathispistol。
“UhlansoftheSixthRegiment，”saidDolohov，neitherhasteningnorslackeninghishorse’space。
Theblackfigureofasentinelstoodonthebridge。
“Thepassword？”
Dolohovreinedinhishorse，andadvancedatawalkingpace。
“Tellme，isColonelGerardhere？”hesaid。
“Password？”repeatedthesentinel，makingnoreplyandbarringtheirway。
“Whenanofficermakeshisround，sentinelsdon’taskhimforthepassword…”criedDolohov，suddenlylosinghistemperandridingstraightatthesentinel。“Iaskyou，isthecolonelhere？”
Andnotwaitingforananswerfromthesentinel，whomovedaside，Dolohovrodeatawalkingpaceuphill。
Noticingtheblackoutlineofamancrossingtheroad，Dolohovstoppedtheman，andaskedwherethecolonelandofficerswere。Theman，asoldierwithasackoverhisshoulder，stopped，camecloseuptoDolohov’shorse，strokingitwithhishand，andtoldtheminasimpleandfriendlywaythatthecolonelandtheofficerswerehigherupthehill，ontheright，inthecourtyardofthefarm，ashecalledthelittlemanor—house。
Aftergoingfurtheralongtheroad，frombothsidesofwhichtheyheardFrenchtalkroundthecamp—fires，Dolohovturnedintotheyardofthemanor—house。Onreachingthegate，hedismountedandwalkedtowardsabig，blazingfire，roundwhichseveralmenweresitting，engagedinloudconversation。Therewassomethingboilinginacauldronononeside，andasoldierinapeakedcapandbluecoat，kneelinginthebrightglowofthefire，wasstirringitwithhisramrod。
“He’satoughcustomer，”saidoneoftheofficers，sittingintheshadowontheoppositesideofthefire。
“He’llmakethemrun，therabbits”（aFrenchproverb），saidtheother，withalaugh。
Bothpaused，andpeeredintothedarknessatthesoundofthestepsofPetyaandDolohovapproachingwiththeirhorses。
“Bonjour，messieurs！”Dolohovcalledloudlyanddistinctly。
Therewasastiramongtheofficersintheshadow，andatallofficerwithalongneckcameroundthefireandwentuptoDolohov。
“Isthatyou，Clément？”saidhe。“Wherethedevil…”butbecomingawareofhismistake，hedidnotfinish，andwithaslightfrowngreetedDolohovasastranger，andaskedhimwhathecoulddoforhim。Dolohovtoldhimthatheandhiscomradeweretryingtocatchupwiththeirregiment，andasked，addressingthecompanyingeneral，whethertheofficersknewanythingabouttheSixthRegiment。Noonecouldtellthemanythingaboutit；andPetyafanciedtheofficersbegantolookathimandDolohovwithunfriendlyandsuspiciouseyes。
Forseveralsecondsnoonespoke。
“Ifyou’rereckoningonsomesoup，youhavecometoolate，”saidavoicefrombehindthefire，withasmotheredlaugh。
Dolohovansweredthattheyhadhadsupper，andwantedtopushonfurtherthatnight。
Hegavetheirhorsestothesoldierwhowasstirringthepot，andsquatteddownonhisheelsbesidetheofficerwiththelongneck。ThelatternevertookhiseyesoffDolohov，andaskedhimagainwhatregimentdidhebelongto。
Dolohovappearednottohearthequestion。Makingnoanswer，helightedashortFrenchpipethathetookfromhispocket，andaskedtheofficerswhethertheroadaheadofthemweresafefromCossacks。
“Thebrigandsareeverywhere，”answeredanofficerfrombehindthefire。
DolohovsaidthattheCossackswereonlyadangerforstragglerslikehimselfandhiscomrade；“hesupposedtheywouldnotdaretoattacklargedetachments，”headdedinquiringly。
Noonereplied。
“Well，nowhewillcomeaway，”Petyawasthinkingeverymoment，ashestoodbythefirelisteningtothetalk。
ButDolohovtookuptheconversationthathaddropped，andproceededtoaskthempoint—blankhowmanymentherewereintheirbattalion，howmanybattalionstheyhad，andhowmanyprisoners。
WhenheaskedabouttheRussianprisoners，Dolohovadded:
“Nastybusinessdraggingthosecorpsesaboutwithone。Itwouldbebettertoshootthevermin，”andhebrokeintosuchastrange，loudlaugh，thatPetyafanciedtheFrenchmustseethroughtheirdisguiseatonce，andheinvoluntarilysteppedbackfromthefire。
Dolohov’swordsandlaughterelicitednoresponse，andaFrenchofficerwhomtheyhadnotseen（helayrolledupinacoat），satupandwhisperedsomethingtohiscompanion。Dolohovstoodupandcalledtothemen，whoheldtheirhorses。
“Willtheygiveusthehorsesornot？”Petyawondered，unconsciouslycomingclosertoDolohov。
Theydidgivethemthehorses。“Bonsoir，messieurs，”saidDolohov。
Petyatriedtosay“Bonsoir，”buthecouldnotutterasound。Theofficerswerewhisperingtogether。Dolohovwasalongwhilemountinghishorse，whowouldnotstandstill；thenherodeoutofthegateatawalkingpace。Petyarodebesidehim，notdaringtolookround，thoughhewaslongingtoseewhethertheFrenchwererunningafterhimornot。
Whentheycameoutontotheroad，Dolohovdidnotturnbacktowardstheopencountry，butrodefurtheralongitintothevillage。
Atonespothestoodstill，listening。“Doyouhear？”hesaid。PetyarecognisedthesoundofvoicesspeakingRussian，andsawroundthecamp—firethedarkoutlinesofRussianprisoners。Whentheyreachedthebridgeagain，PetyaandDolohovpassedthesentinel，who，withoututteringaword，pacedgloomilyupanddown。TheycameouttothehollowwheretheCossackswerewaitingforthem。
“Wellnow，good—bye。TellDenisov，atsunrise，atthefirstshot，”saidDolohov，andhewasgoingon，butPetyaclutchedathisarm。
“Oh！”hecried，“youareahero！Oh！howsplendiditis！howjolly！HowIloveyou！”
“That’sallright，”answeredDolohov，butPetyadidnotletgoofhim，andinthedarkDolohovmadeoutthathewasbendingovertohimtobekissed。Dolohovkissedhim，laughed，andturninghishorse’shead，vanishedintothedarkness。
Chapter10
ONREACHINGthehutinthewood，PetyafoundDenisovintheporch。HewaswaitingforPetya’sreturningreatuneasiness，anxiety，andvexationwithhimselfforhavinglethimgo。
“ThankGod！”hecried。“Well，thankGod！”herepeated，hearingPetya’secstaticaccount。“And，damnyou，youhavepreventedmysleeping！”headded。“Well，thankGod；now，gotobed。Wecanstillgetanapbeforemorning。”
“Yes…no，”saidPetya。“I’mnotsleepyyet。Besides，IknowwhatIam；ifonceIgotosleep，itwillbeallupwithme。Andbesides，it’snotmyhabittosleepbeforeabattle。”
Petyasatforalongwhileinthehut，joyfullyrecallingthedetailsofhisadventure，andvividlyimaginingwhatwascomingnextday。Then，noticingthatDenisovhadfallenasleep，hegotupandwentoutofdoors。
Itwasstillquitedarkoutside。Therainwasover，butthetreeswerestilldripping。ClosebythehutcouldbeseentheblackoutlinesoftheCossacks’shantiesandthehorsestiedtogether。Behindthehuttherewasadarkblurwheretwowaggonsstoodwiththehorsesnearby，andinthehollowtherewasaredglowfromthedyingfire。TheCossacksandthehussarswerenotallasleep；theremingledwiththesoundofthefallingdropsandthemunchingofthehorses，thesoundoflowvoices，thatseemedtobewhispering。
Petyacameoutoftheporch，lookedabouthiminthedarkness，andwentuptothewaggons。Someonewassnoringunderthewaggons，andsaddledhorseswerestandingroundthemmunchingoats。InthedarkPetyarecognisedandapproachedhisownmare，whomhecalledKarabach，thoughshewasinfactofaLittleRussianbreed。
“Well，Karabach，to—morrowweshalldogoodservice，”hesaid，sniffinghernostrilsandkissingher。
“Why，aren’tyouasleep，sir？”saidaCossack，sittingunderthewaggon。
“No；but…Lihatchev—Ibelievethat’syourname，eh？YouknowIhaveonlyjustcomeback。WehavebeencallingontheFrench。”AndPetyagavetheCossackadetailedaccount，notonlyofhisadventure，butalsoofhisreasonsforgoing，andwhyhethoughtitbettertoriskhislifethantodothingsinahaphazardway。
“Well，youmustbesleepy；getalittlesleep，”saidtheCossack。
“No，Iamusedtoit，”answeredPetya。“Andhowaretheflintsinourpistols—notwornout？Ibroughtsomewithme。Don’tyouwantany？Dotakesome。”
TheCossackpoppedoutfromunderthewaggontotakeacloserlookatPetya。
“For，yousee，Iliketodoeverythingcarefully，”saidPetya。“Somemen，youknow，leavethingstochance，anddon’thavethingsready，andthentheyregretit。Idon’tlikethat。”
“No，tobesure，”saidtheCossack。
“Oh，andanotherthing，please，mydearfellow，sharpenmysabreforme；Ihaveblunt…”（butPetyacouldnotbringoutalie）…“ithasneverbeensharpened。Canyoudothat？”
“TobesureIcan。”
Lihatchevstoodup，andrummagedinthebaggage，andPetyastoodandheardthemartialsoundofsteelandwhetstone。Heclamberedontothewaggon，andsatontheedgeofit。TheCossacksharpenedthesabrebelow。
“Aretheotherbravefellowsasleep？”saidPetya。
“Someareasleep，andsomeareawake，likeus。”
“Andwhatabouttheboy？”
“Vesenny？He’slyingyonderinthehay。He’ssleepingwellafterhisfright。Hewassopleased。”
ForalongwhileafterthatPetyasatquiet，listeningtothesounds。Therewasasoundoffootstepsinthedarkness，andadarkfigureappeared。
“Whatareyousharpening？”askedamancominguptothewaggon。
“Asabreforthegentlemanhere。”
“That’sagoodthing，”saidtheman，whoseemedtoPetyatobeanhussar。“Wasthecupleftwithyouhere？”
“It’syonderbythewheel。”Thehussartookthecup。“Itwillsoonbedaylight，”headded，yawning，ashewalkedoff。
Petyamust，onewouldsuppose，haveknownthathewasinawood，withDenisov’sbandofirregulars，averstfromtheroad；thathewassittingonawaggoncapturedfromtheFrench；thattherewerehorsesfastenedtoit；thatunderitwassittingtheCossackLihatchevsharpeninghissabre；thatthebig，blackblurontherightwasthehut，andthered，brightglowbelowontheleftthedyingcamp—fire；thatthemanwhohadcomeforthecupwasanhussarwhowasthirsty。ButPetyaknewnothingofallthat，andrefusedtoknowit。Hewasinafairyland，inwhichnothingwaslikethereality。Thebigpatchofshadowmightbeahutcertainly，butitmightbeacaveleadingdownintotheverydepthsoftheearth。Theredpatchmightbeafire，butitmightbetheeyeofahugemonster。Perhapshereallywassittingnowonawaggon，butverylikelyhewassittingnotonawaggon，butonafearfullyhightower，andifhefelloff，hewouldgoonflyingtotheearthforawholeday，forawholemonth—flyandflyforeverandneverreachit。PerhapsitwassimplytheCossackLihatchevsittingunderthewaggon；butverylikelyitwasthekindest，bravest，mostwonderfulandsplendidmanintheworldwhomnooneknewof。Perhapsitreallywasanhussarwhohadcomeforwaterandgoneintothehollow；butperhapshehadjustvanished，vanishedaltogetherandwasnomore。
WhateverPetyahadseennow，itwouldnothavesurprisedhim。Hewasinalandoffairies，whereeverythingwaspossible。
Hegazedatthesky。Theskytoowasanenchantedrealmliketheearth。Ithadbeguntoclear，andthecloudswerescuddingoverthetree—tops，asthoughunveilingthestars。Attimesitseemedasthoughtheyweresweptaway，andtherewereglimpsesofclear，blackskybetweenthem。Attimestheseblackpatcheslookedlikestorm—clouds。Attimestheskyseemedtorisehigh，highoverhead，andthenagaintobedroppingdownsothatonecouldreachitwiththehand。