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An Austrian officer in a white uniform with green plumes in his

hat galloped up to Kutuzov and asked in the Emperor's name had

the fourth column advanced into action.

Kutuzov turned round without answering and his eye happened to

fall upon Prince Andrew, who was beside him. Seeing him,

Kutuzov's malevolent and caustic expression softened, as if

admitting that what was being done was not his adjutant's fault,

and still not answering the Austrian adjutant, he addressed

Bolkonski.

"Go, my dear fellow, and see whether the third division has

passed the village. Tell it to stop and await my orders."

Hardly had Prince Andrew started than he stopped him.

"And ask whether sharpshooters have been posted," he added. "What

are they doing? What are they doing?" he murmured to himself,

still not replying to the Austrian.

Prince Andrew galloped off to execute the order.