Rostov could hear the sound of French words but could not distinguish them.

The din of many voices was too great; all he could hear was: "ahahah!" and "rrrr!" "What's that? What do you make of it?" said Rostov to the hussar beside him.

" That must be the enemy's camp!" The hussar did not reply.

"Why, don't you hear it?" Rostov asked again, after waiting for a reply.

"Who can tell, your honor?" replied the hussar reluctantly.