" Let anyone come my way now," thought Rostov driving his spurs into Rook and letting him go at a full gallop so that he outstripped the others.

Ahead, the enemy was already visible.

Suddenly something like a birch broom seemed to sweep over the squadron.

Rostov raised his saber, ready to strike, but at that instant the trooper Nikitenko, who was galloping ahead, shot away from him, and Rostov felt as in a dream that he continued to be carried forward with unnatural speed but yet stayed on the same spot.

From behind him Bondarchuk, an hussar he knew, jolted against him and looked angrily at him.