Book Fourteen: 1812 - Chapter VIII

by Leo Tolstoy

　　The arrival of Dolokhov diverted Petya's attention from thedrummer boy, to whom Denisov had had some mutton and vodka given,and whom he had had dressed in a Russian coat so that he might be keptwith their band and not sent away with the other prisoners. Petyahad heard in the army many stories of Dolokhov's extraordinary braveryand of his cruelty to the French, so from the moment he entered thehut Petya did not take his eyes from him, but braced himself up moreand more and held his head high, that he might not be unworthy even ofsuch company.

　　Dolokhov's appearance amazed Petya by its simplicity.

　　Denisov wore a Cossack coat, had a beard, had an icon of Nicholasthe Wonder-Worker on his breast, and his way of speaking andeverything he did indicated his unusual position. But Dolokhov, who inMoscow had worn a Persian costume, had now the appearance of a mostcorrect officer of the Guards. He was clean-shaven and wore aGuardsman's padded coat with an Order of St. George at hisbuttonhole and a plain forage cap set straight on his head. He tookoff his wet felt cloak in a corner of the room, and without greetinganyone went up to Denisov and began questioning him about the matterin hand. Denisov told him of the designs the large detachments hadon the transport, of the message Petya had brought, and his ownreplies to both generals. Then he told him all he knew of the Frenchdetachment.

　　"That's so. But we must know what troops they are and theirnumbers," said Dolokhov. "It will be necessary to go there. We can'tstart the affair without knowing for certain how many there are. Ilike to work accurately. Here now- wouldn't one of these gentlemenlike to ride over to the French camp with me? I have brought a spareuniform."

　　"I, I... I'll go with you!" cried Petya.

　　"There's no need for you to go at all," said Denisov, addressingDolokhov, "and as for him, I won't let him go on any account."

　　"I like that!" exclaimed Petya. "Why shouldn't I go?"

　　"Because it's useless."

　　"Well, you must excuse me, because... because... I shall go, andthat's all. You'll take me, won't you?" he said, turning to Dolokhov.

　　"Why not?" Dolokhov answered absently, scrutinizing the face ofthe French drummer boy. "Have you had that youngster with you long?"he asked Denisov.

　　"He was taken today but he knows nothing. I'm keeping him with me."

　　"Yes, and where do you put the others?" inquired Dolokhov.

　　"Where? I send them away and take a weceipt for them," shoutedDenisov, suddenly flushing. "And I say boldly that I have not a singleman's life on my conscience. Would it be difficult for you to sendthirty or thwee hundwed men to town under escort, instead of staining-I speak bluntly- staining the honor of a soldier?"

　　"That kind of amiable talk would be suitable from this young countof sixteen," said Dolokhov with cold irony, "but it's time for youto drop it."

　　"Why, I've not said anything! I only say that I'll certainly go withyou," said Petya shyly.

　　"But for you and me, old fellow, it's time to drop these amenities,"continued Dolokhov, as if he found particular pleasure in speakingof this subject which irritated Denisov. "Now, why have you keptthis lad?" he went on, swaying his head. "Because you are sorry forhim! Don't we know those 'receipts' of yours? You send a hundred menaway, and thirty get there. The rest either starve or get killed. Soisn't it all the same not to send them?"

　　The esaul, screwing up his light-colored eyes, nodded approvingly.

　　"That's not the point. I'm not going to discuss the matter. I do notwish to take it on my conscience. You say they'll die. All wight. Onlynot by my fault!"

　　Dolokhov began laughing.

　　"Who has told them not to capture me these twenty times over? But ifthey did catch me they'd string me up to an aspen tree, and with allyour chivalry just the same." He paused. "However, we must get towork. Tell the Cossack to fetch my kit. I have two French uniformsin it. Well, are you coming with me?" he asked Petya.

　　"I? Yes, yes, certainly!" cried Petya, blushing almost to tearsand glancing at Denisov.

　　While Dolokhov had been disputing with Denisov what should be donewith prisoners, Petya had once more felt awkward and restless; butagain he had no time to grasp fully what they were talking about."If grown-up, distinguished men think so, it must be necessary andright," thought he. "But above all Denisov must not dare to imaginethat I'll obey him and that he can order me about. I will certainly goto the French camp with Dolokhov. If he can, so can I!"

　　And to all Denisov's persuasions, Petya replied that he too wasaccustomed to do everything accurately and not just anyhow, and thathe never considered personal danger.

　　"For you'll admit that if we don't know for sure how many of themthere are... hundreds of lives may depend on it, while there areonly two of us. Besides, I want to go very much and certainly will go,so don't hinder me," said he. "It will only make things worse..."