Cadet Rostov, ever since he had overtaken the regiment in Poland, had lived with the squadron commander.

On October 11, the day when all was astir at headquarters over the news of Mack's defeat, the camp life of the officers of this squadron was proceeding as usual.

Denisov, who had been losing at cards all night, had not yet come home when Rostov rode back early in the morning from a foraging expedition.