The seconds, measuring the paces, left tracks in the deep wet snow between the place where they had been standing and Nesvitski's and Dolokhov's sabers, which were stuck into the ground ten paces apart to mark the barrier.

It was thawing and misty; at forty paces' distance nothing could be seen.

For three minutes all had been ready, but they still delayed and all were silent.

"Well begin!" said Dolokhov.