All his wishes were being fulfilled that morning: there was to be a general engagement in which he was taking part, more than that, he was orderly to the bravest general, and still more, he was going with a message to Kutuzov, perhaps even to the sovereign himself.

The morning was bright, he had a good horse under him, and his heart was full of joy and happiness.

On receiving the order he gave his horse the rein and galloped along the line.