Pagina 466 de 3800

"I cannot inform Your Majesty at what o'clock the battle began at

the front, but at Durrenstein, where I was, our attack began

after five in the afternoon," replied Bolkonski growing more

animated and expecting that he would have a chance to give a

reliable account, which he had ready in his mind, of all he knew

and had seen. But the Emperor smiled and interrupted him.

"How many miles?"

"From where to where, Your Majesty?"

"From Durrenstein to Krems."

"Three and a half miles, Your Majesty."

"The French have abandoned the left bank?"

"According to the scouts the last of them crossed on rafts during

the night."

"Is there sufficient forage in Krems?"

"Forage has not been supplied to the extent..."

The Emperor interrupted him.

"At what o'clock was General Schmidt killed?"

"At seven o'clock, I believe."

"At seven o'clock? It's very sad, very sad!"