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CHAPTER XVII

On our right flank commanded by Bagration, at nine o'clock the

battle had not yet begun. Not wishing to agree to Dolgorukov's

demand to commence the action, and wishing to avert

responsibility from himself, Prince Bagration proposed to

Dolgorukov to send to inquire of the commander in chief.

Bagration knew that as the distance between the two flanks was

more than six miles, even if the messenger were not killed (which

he very likely would be), and found the commander in chief (which

would be very difficult), he would not be able to get back before

evening.

Bagration cast his large, expressionless, sleepy eyes round his

suite, and the boyish face of Rostov, breathless with excitement

and hope, was the first to catch his eye. He sent him.

"And if I should meet His Majesty before I meet the commander in

chief, your excellency?" said Rostov, with his hand to his cap.

"You can give the message to His Majesty," said Dolgorukov,

hurriedly interrupting Bagration.