No one said anything definite, but the rumor of an attack spread through the squadron.

The command to form up rang out and the sabers whizzed as they were drawn from their scabbards.

Still no one moved.

The troops of the left flank, infantry and hussars alike, felt that the commander did not himself know what to do, and this irresolution communicated itself to the men.

"If only they would be quick!" thought Rostov, feeling that at last the time had come to experience the joy of an attack of which he had so often heard from his fellow hussars.