Page 421 sur 3800

Striking his horse with his long muscular legs as if it were to

blame for everything, the colonel moved forward and ordered the

second squadron, that in which Rostov was serving under Denisov,

to return to the bridge.

"There, it's just as I thought," said Rostov to himself. "He

wishes to test me!" His heart contracted and the blood rushed to

his face. "Let him see whether I am a coward!" he thought.

Again on all the bright faces of the squadron the serious

expression appeared that they had worn when under fire. Rostov

watched his enemy, the colonel, closely-to find in his face

confirmation of his own conjecture, but the colonel did not once

glance at Rostov, and looked as he always did when at the front,

solemn and stern. Then came the word of command.

"Look sharp! Look sharp!" several voices repeated around him.