Warily at first, because they expect resistance, the French troops march into Moscow. When they see it is safely deserted, they disperse, faster and faster, among the houses like water in a beach of dry sand. With so many strangers lighting cooking stoves and smoking pipes, fire is inevitable. Moscow was not burned out of hostility from the invaders or defenders, Tolstoy says, but because fire usually breaks out in a town of empty wooden buildings. The real reason for the burning of Moscow lies in the desertion of the city by its inhabitants.
As he broods in solitude over his wild idea to assassinate Napoleon, Pierre is not quick enough to catch Osip's mad brother as he enters the room and runs away with Pierre's pistol. While the old butler, Gerasim, struggles with the madman, some French officers arrive at the door. The madman aims his pistol at the officer. Pierre intercedes just in time and the gun goes off harmlessly."You have saved my life," declares the enemy captain, concluding with unique logic,"You are French." Pierre answers he is a Russian. The Frenchman, Ramballe, makes himself at home over a dinner and many glasses of wine, and he is so good-natured and full of gratitude that Pierre listens to his stories with interest. After Ramballe describes many adventures and amorous escapades, Pierre finds himself confessing to his unsuccessful marriage and his love for Natasha. Late that night the two new friends walk in the clear air. Though the glare of a distant fire is visible, Pierre only sees the lofty starlit sky and the bright comet. A tender joy stirs within him, but when he recalls that he must kill Napoleon tomorrow, he becomes dizzy and leans against a fence for support.
