Chapter 8 chapter eight

The presence of Dolokhov diverted Petya's attention.Denisov had already ordered the little drummer to be given vodka and mutton and put on a long Russian overcoat, intending not to send him away with the other prisoners, but to keep him in the team.Petya had heard many stories in the army about Dolokhov's prowess and cruelty to the French, so from the moment Dolokhov entered the house, Petya watched him intently, getting more and more excited, Holding his head high, he tried to show that he was worthy even of a partner like Dolokhov. Petya was amazed at the simplicity of Dolokhov's appearance.

Denisov wore a peasant overcoat, had a beard, and wore a statue of Nicholas on his chest. His speech and all his behavior showed his special status.Dolokhov, who had once been in Moscow in Persian costume, now wore the exact opposite, with the rigid appearance of an officer in the Guards.He was clean-shaven and wore a Guards padded overcoat with an Order of St. George pinned to the buttonhole, and a regular cap on his head.He took off his wet felt cloak in a corner, went straight up to Denisov without greeting anyone, and immediately got down to business.Denisov told him about the plans of the two great partisan detachments for the attack on the French convoy, about Petya's letters, and how he had replied to the two generals.Denisov then told all that he had learned about the French troops.

"Yes, but it is necessary to find out what troops there are and how many there are," said Dolokhov, "and not exactly how many of them there are. 1928) Russian philosopher, sociologist, economist, doctor. 1903 , so you can’t act rashly. I have to go, I’m serious about what I do.” He asked again, “Which gentleman is willing to go with me to the French camp? I brought all the French military uniforms.” "I, I... I will go with you!" cried Petya. "You don't need to go at all," said Denisov to Dolokhov. "As for him, I will not let him go at all."

"It would be best if I went!" cried Petya. "Why can't I go?" "It's not necessary." "Forgive me because...because...I have to go, that's all. will you take me there ' asked Petya Dolokhov. "Why not?" Dolokhov answered casually.He stared at the little French drummer's face. "Has the boy been with you?" he asked Denisov. "I caught him today, but he didn't know anything, so I kept him." "Oh, where did you get the rest?" said Dolokhov. "Where is it? I have receipts for everything I send away!" Denisov suddenly blushed and shouted. "I dare say in good conscience that I haven't killed a single person. It must be difficult for you to send thirty or three hundred to the city without tarnishing the reputation of a soldier."

"It would be appropriate for such kind words to come from the mouth of the sixteen-year-old count." Dolokhov said with a sneer. "You are no longer the time to say such words." "What, I didn't say anything, I just said I must go with you," said Petya timidly. "But, brother, as far as you and I are concerned, it's time we got rid of this sentimentality," continued Dolokhov, as if he were particularly interested in the subject that irritated Denisov. "What did you keep the boy for?" he said, shaking his head, "because you pity him? You know, we know your receipts. You send away a hundred and you get thirty. The rest Either starve to death or be beaten to death. It doesn’t matter if you send it or not, doesn’t it?”

The Cossack First Captain squinted his bright eyes and nodded approvingly. "It doesn't matter whether they are sent or not. But I don't want to disturb my conscience. You say they will die. That's all right, as long as they don't die at my hands." Dolokhov burst out laughing. "Who told them to issue twenty orders to arrest me? If they were caught, you and I, together with your chivalry, would be hung on a poplar tree." He paused. "Let's get down to business. Tell my Cossacks to bring the knapsacks, and I've brought two French uniforms. What's the matter? Come with me?" he asked Petya.

"Me? Yes, yes, of course," said Petya hurriedly, staring at Denisov, blushing almost to the point of tears. While Dolokhov and Denisov were arguing over what to do with the prisoners, Petya was again embarrassed and restless.However, before he had time to figure out what they were talking about, he thought, since these well-known big shots think so, it is naturally right and good.But the main thing is not to let Denisov think that I have to listen to him, that he can command me.I must go with Dolokhov to the French camp.If he can do it, so can I. To all Denisov's dissuasion, Petya always replied that he was always very careful in his work, and that he did not rely on chance.He has always put life and death aside.

"Because, you must agree with that, if you don't find out how many of them there are, hundreds of lives are at stake, and we are only two. Besides, I want to go very much, I must go, don't you Stop me," he said, "it's only going to make things worse..."