At eight o'clock Kutuzov rode to Pratzen at the head of the fourth column, Miloradovich's, the one that was to take the place of Przebyszewski's and Langeron's columns which had already gone down into the valley.

He greeted the men of the foremost regiment and gave them the order to march, thereby indicating that he intended to lead that column himself.

When he had reached the village of Pratzen he halted.

Prince Andrew was behind, among the immense number forming the commander in chief's suite.

He was in a state of suppressed excitement and irritation, though controlledly calm as a man is at the approach of a long-awaited moment.