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"Hur-a-a-a-ah!" came a roar of voices. "Let anyone come my way

now," thought Rostov driving his spurs into Rook and letting him

go at a full gallop so that he outstripped the others. Ahead, the

enemy was already visible. Suddenly something like a birch broom

seemed to sweep over the squadron. Rostov raised his saber, ready

to strike, but at that instant the trooper Nikitenko, who was

galloping ahead, shot away from him, and Rostov felt as in a

dream that he continued to be carried forward with unnatural

speed but yet stayed on the same spot. From behind him

Bondarchuk, an hussar he knew, jolted against him and looked

angrily at him. Bondarchuk's horse swerved and galloped past.