Page 1306 - war-and-peace

ran out, said some words to a merchant, called a stout of-
ficial with a cross hanging on his neck to follow him, and
vanished again, evidently wishing to avoid the inquiring
looks and questions addressed to him. Alpatych moved for-
ward and next time the official came out addressed him, one
hand placed in the breast of his buttoned coat, and handed
him two letters.
‘To his Honor Baron Asch, from General-in-Chief Prince
Bolkonski,’ he announced with such solemnity and signifi-
cance that the official turned to him and took the letters.
A few minutes later the Governor received Alpatych and
hurriedly said to him:
‘Inform the prince and princess that I knew nothing: I
acted on the highest instructionshere...’ and he handed a pa-
per to Alpatych. ‘Still, as the prince is unwell my advice is
that they should go to Moscow. I am just starting myself.
Inform them..’
But the Governor did not finish: a dusty perspiring offi-
cer ran into the room and began to say something in French.
The Governor’s face expressed terror.
‘Go,’ he said, nodding his head to Alpatych, and began
questioning the officer.
Eager, frightened, helpless glances were turned on
Alpatych when he came out of the Governor’s room. Invol-
untarily listening now to the firing, which had drawn nearer
and was increasing in strength, Alpatych hurried to his inn.
The paper handed to him by the Governor said this:
‘I assure you that the town of Smolensk is not in the
slightest danger as yet and it is unlikely that it will be threat-

1306 War and Peace