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The colonel rode to the front, angrily gave some reply to

questions put to him by the officers, and, like a man desperately

insisting on having his own way, gave an order. No one said

anything definite, but the rumor of an attack spread through the

squadron. The command to form up rang out and the sabers whizzed

as they were drawn from their scabbards. Still no one moved. The

troops of the left flank, infantry and hussars alike, felt that

the commander did not himself know what to do, and this

irresolution communicated itself to the men.

"If only they would be quick!" thought Rostov, feeling that at

last the time had come to experience the joy of an attack of

which he had so often heard from his fellow hussars.

"Fo'ward, with God, lads!" rang out Denisov's voice. "At a twot

fo'ward!"

The horses' croups began to sway in the front line. Rook pulled

at the reins and started of his own accord.