AttwointhemorningofthefourteenthofJune, theEmperor, havingsentforBalashevandreadhimhislettertoNapoleon, , , becausewithhischaracteristictacthefeltitwouldbeinjudicioustousethematamomentwhenalastattemptatreconciliationwasbeingmade, buthedefinitelyinstructedBalashevtorepeatthempersonallytoNapoleon.
Havingsetoffinthesmallhoursofthefourteenth, accompaniedbyabuglerandtwoCossacks, BalashevreachedtheFrenchoutpostsatthevillageofRykonty, ontheRussiansideoftheNiemen, .
AFrenchnoncommissionedofficerofhussars, incrimsonuniformandashaggycap, , butcontinuedtoadvancealongtheroadatawalkingpace.
Thenoncommissionedofficerfrownedand, mutteringwordsofabuse, advancedhishorse'schestagainstBalashev, puthishandtohissaber, andshoutedrudelyattheRussiangeneral, asking: washedeafthathedidnotdoashewastold? .
Afterlivingattheseatofthehighestauthorityandpower, afterconversingwiththeEmperorlessthanthreehoursbefore, andingeneralbeingaccustomedtotherespectduetohisrankintheservice, BalashevfounditverystrangehereonRussiansoiltoencounterthishostile, andstillmorethisdisrespectful, applicationofbruteforcetohimself.
Thesunwasonlyjustappearingfrombehindtheclouds, , andoverthefieldsthelarksrosetrilling, oneafteranother, likebubblesrisinginwater.
Balashevlookedaroundhim, .
AFrenchcolonelofhussars, whohadevidentlyjustlefthisbed, cameridingfromthevillageonahandsomesleekgrayhorse, , thesoldiers, andtheirhorsesalllookedsmartandwellkept.
