The Russian General-in-chief, Kutusoff, fell into the snare Napoleon had held for him, and sent a large division of his army to turn the right of the French. The troops detached for this purpose met with unexpected resistance from Davoust, and were held in check at Raygern. Napoleon immediately seized the opportunity; they had left a deep gap in the line, and into that space Soult forthwith poured a force which entirely destroyed communication between the Russian centre and left. The Czar perceived the fatal consequences of this movement, and his guards rushed forward to beat back Soult. It was on an eminence, called the hill of Pratzen, that the encounter took place. The Russians began to drive the French infantry before them. Napoleon ordered Bessieres to hurry with the Imperial Guard to their rescue. The Russians were in some disorder and flushed with victory, but they resisted bravely, though they were finally broken and driven back. The Grand Duke Constantine, who had led them gallantly only escaped by the fleetness of his horse. The French centre now advanced, and the charges of its cavalry were decisive. The Emperors of Russia and Germany beheld from the heights their right wing, which had hitherto stood well against the impetuosity of Lannes, forced down into a hollow under the incessant fire of artillery from above, where some small frozen lakes offered the only means of escape from the approaching cannonade. [Illustration: THE BATTLE OF AUSTERLITZ.] NAPOLEON’S INTERVIEW WITH THE AUSTRIAN EMPEROR. The defeat of the allied army at the battle of Austerlitz induced the Emperor of Austria to seek an interview with Napoleon, in order, if possible, to conclude a treaty of peace. With this in view he commissioned Prince Jean de Lichtenstein to ascertain whether this would be agreeable to the conqueror or not: Napoleon agreed and appointed the 4th of December, 1805, to receive Francis II. at his bivouac. On that day the haughty Emperor went to the French headquarters and Napoleon said, “I receive you in the only palace I have known for the last two months.” To which the humiliated Sovereign replied, “You have made so good a use of them, that you ought not to complain of your accommodation.” The two Princes soon concluded an armistice, and the principal conditions of peace were promptly arranged. Francis demanded that the Czar should be permitted to pass to his own country in safety. Napoleon agreed to this, provided the Russians would evacuate Germany and Poland, both Austrian and Prussian. The Austrian Emperor assured him that he felt sure such was the intention of the Czar, but desired that an officer might be sent to learn definitely the sentiments of the Russian Emperor on that point; and General Savary was dispatched to ascertain if Alexander would adhere to this armistice. [Illustration: NAPOLEON’S INTERVIEW WITH THE AUSTRIAN EMPEROR.] STATUES ON THE COLUMN OF THE GRAND ARMY.