" The Emperor knit his brows with dissatisfaction and, glancing back, remarked: "But we must give him an answer.

" Kozlovski scanned the ranks resolutely and included Rostov in his scrutiny.

"Can it be me?" thought Rostov.

"Lazarev!" the colonel called, with a frown, and Lazarev, the first soldier in the rank, stepped briskly forward.