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Rostov stopped his horse for a moment on a hillock to see what

was going on, but strain his attention as he would he could not

understand or make out anything of what was happening: there in

the smoke men of some sort were moving about, in front and behind

moved lines of troops; but why, whither, and who they were, it

was impossible to make out. These sights and sounds had no

depressing or intimidating effect on him; on the contrary, they

stimulated his energy and determination.

"Go on! Go on! Give it them!" he mentally exclaimed at these

sounds, and again proceeded to gallop along the line, penetrating

farther and farther into the region where the army was already in

action.

"How it will be there I don't know, but all will be well!"

thought Rostov.

After passing some Austrian troops he noticed that the next part

of the line (the Guards) was already in action.

"So much the better! I shall see it close," he thought.