Kutuzov and the Austrian general were talking in low voices and Kutuzov smiled slightly as treading heavily he stepped down from the carriage just as if those two thousand men breathlessly gazing at him and the regimental commander did not exist.

The word of command rang out, and again the regiment quivered, as with a jingling sound it presented arms.

Then amidst a dead silence the feeble voice of the commander in chief was heard.

The regiment roared, "Health to your ex... len... len... lency!" and again all became silent.

At first Kutuzov stood still while the regiment moved; then he and the general in white, accompanied by the suite, walked between the ranks.