The second part of Chapter VI brings pure unaltered fun in the form of "boys being boys." This chapter has bragging, gambling, drinking, a death-defying stunt and…..a bear on a chain. Mundane background about the state of political affairs and the Society crowd’s disillusionments take a backseat. 

Upon leaving his friend’s home, Pierre enters an open carriage (an 1805 cab). Pierre promised Andrei he would go home but Pierre is pulled by the energy of the night. The brightness of the moon completely illuminated the streets and Pierre thinks to himself, “it would be nice to go to Kuragin’s.” Like a magnet he drawn to his debauched friend. Pierre rationalizes during the ride - - what are words of honor as to trivial matters when one day, we all will be dead?  He wants to do something that will stir the soul. He regarded his promise to Andrei a mere formality. So, off to Kuragin’s!

Anatole is hosting a night of cards for his friends, many of whom are in the military. Pierre hears a great deal of commotion as he enters. There are nine men gathered around a window yelling about some type of bet. Three others are “romping” around the room with a small bear on a chain. Now that’s a Party!

Feydor Dolokhov makes his debut. He is at the center of the bet and is going to try to down a huge bottle of rum while sitting on a window sill with his legs dangling into the abyss. The bottle can never leave his lips. It is a challenge nobody else could realistically attempt. The crew had to break Anatole's window and detach the frame to even attempt the stunt.  Dolokhov’s antagonist, for the purposes of the bet, is an English sailor. Anatole cheers his friend on and Pierre (out of fear for the celebrant) can barely watch. 

Dolokhov lives with Anatole and the two are known among the gambling crowd and rackets of St. Petersburg. Most of their acquaintances enjoy hanging with Dolokhov more because he is funny, and generally sociable. He has few connections and is a low level officer. He is described as of medium height and has striking blue eyes. Dolokhov comes out successful in the bet and the crowd cheers his accomplishment. 

Pierre wants to try the stunt himself, but his friends save him from hurting himself. Instead he is given the bear to pounce around with. Then the group heads out into the St. Petersburg night for more high-jinks.