Part 15, Chapters 9-15 Summary

In the middle of the night, the Russian 5th company hears footsteps in the woods. It is Ramballe and Morel. They are hungry and weak. The Russians give these Frenchmen porridge and vodka, and they visit at the campfire for a long time. One soldier says, "They are men, too. Even the wormwood has its roots." Kutuzov reaches Vilna, where he is at home and among friends. He has twice been governor of Vilna. The Tsar is there and tells Kutuzov that he's displeased with the slowness of the pursuit of the French. Kutuzov is given the Order of St. George of the first rank. During his stay in Vilna, the Tsar is increasingly irritated with Kutuzov, so he transfers all power back to himself without openly talking to Kutuzov about the change. Nothing is left for Kutuzov to...