Pagina 808 de 3800

The hussar only sighed without replying and coughed angrily. The

sound of horse's hoofs approaching at a trot along the line of

hussars was heard, and out of the foggy darkness the figure of a

sergeant of hussars suddenly appeared, looming huge as an

elephant.

"Your honor, the generals!" said the sergeant, riding up to

Rostov.

Rostov, still looking round toward the fires and the shouts, rode

with the sergeant to meet some mounted men who were riding along

the line. One was on a white horse. Prince Bagration and Prince

Dolgorukov with their adjutants had come to witness the curious

phenomenon of the lights and shouts in the enemy's camp. Rostov

rode up to Bagration, reported to him, and then joined the

adjutants listening to what the generals were saying.

"Believe me," said Prince Dolgorukov, addressing Bagration, "it

is nothing but a trick! He has retreated and ordered the

rearguard to kindle fires and make a noise to deceive us."