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"There are so many prisoners today, nearly the whole Russian

army, that he is probably tired of them," said another officer.

"All the same! They say this one is the commander of all the

Emperor Alexander's Guards," said the first one, indicating a

Russian officer in the white uniform of the Horse Guards.

Bolkonski recognized Prince Repnin whom he had met in Petersburg

society. Beside him stood a lad of nineteen, also a wounded

officer of the Horse Guards.

Bonaparte, having come up at a gallop, stopped his horse.

"Which is the senior?" he asked, on seeing the prisoners.

They named the colonel, Prince Repnin.

"You are the commander of the Emperor Alexander's regiment of

Horse Guards?" asked Napoleon.

"I commanded a squadron," replied Repnin.

"Your regiment fulfilled its duty honorably," said Napoleon.

"The praise of a great commander is a soldier's highest reward,"

said Repnin.

"I bestow it with pleasure," said Napoleon. "And who is that

young man beside you?"