Partisan warfare flames up fiercely as hundreds of irregular Russian units fell upon much larger units of the fleeing French army. Denísov and Dólokhov plan to jointly attack a French baggage convoy of fifteen hundred men.
Denísov waits to hear from Dólokhov concerning their plan to attack the French convoy the next day. A young officer, who turns out to be Pétya Rostóv, rides up with a letter for Denísov.
Denísov, Pétya and a few of the partisan fighters surveil the small village where the French baggage convoy is spending the night. The see a man named Tíkhon who Denísov sent to kidnap an informant being chased by the French.
Tíkhon tells Denísov about his attempt to capture a French soldier for intelligence gathering purposes.
Pétya decides to remain and take part in tomorrow’s battle, contrary to his instructions. Pétya offers many small gifts to Denísov and his men, and kindly offers dinner to their captured French drummer boy.
Dólokhov plans to slip into the village in disguise in order to assess the French forces. Pétya volunteers to go along, although Denísov attempts to forbid it. Dólokhov implies that Denísov should be executing any French he captures.
Dólokhov, accompanied by Pétya manage to enter the French camp, obtain information, and leave without incident. Pétya is quite frightened the entire time. This experience leaves Pétya even more in awe of Dólokhov’s bravery.
Returning after their successful visit to the French camp, Pétya tells Denísov about the adventure. Pétya doesn’t even try to sleep. He is almost in a dream world. When dawn arrives, Denísov orders everyone to prepare for the attack.
The Russian forces under Denísov and Dólokhov easily overrun the French. Pétya Rostóv, charging recklessly, is shot and dies. Pierre is among the freed Russian prisoners.
Pierre’s march with the prisoners out of Moscow was very difficult, but from this hard situation Pierre gained spiritual insights about how to bear suffering.