“We had a pig confined in a strong cage of ropes and withes, that he might last longer than if dragged by the legs.  A rope ten feet long was attached to the cage and ready to be tied to the sledge.

“We kept the pig in furs at the bottom of the sledge, and drove silently into the forest.  The last order given by Kanchin was to open the gates of the courtyard and hang a bright lantern in front.  I asked the reason of this, and he replied with a smile:  ’If we should be going at full speed on our return, I don’t wish to stop till we reach the middle of the yard.’

“As by mutual consent neither uttered a word as we drove along.  We carried no bells, and there was no creaking of any part of the sledge.  Ivan did not speak but held his reins taut and allowed the horses to take their own pace.  In his secure and warm covering the pig was evidently asleep.  The moon and stars were perfectly unclouded, and there was no motion of anything in the forest.  The road was excellent, but we did not meet or pass a single traveler.  I do not believe I ever felt silence more forcibly than then.

“The forest in that region is not dense, and on either side of the road there is a space of a hundred yards or more entirely open.  The snow lay crisp and sparkling, and as the country was but slightly undulating we could frequently see long distances.  The apparent movement of the trees as we drove past them caused me to fancy the woods rilled with animate forms to whom the breeze gave voices that mocked us.

“About eight versts from the house we reached a cross road that led deeper into the forest. ‘Naprava,’ in a low voice from my companion turned us to the right into the road.  Eight or ten versts further Kanchin, in the same low tone, commanded ‘Stoi.’ Without a word Ivan drew harder upon his reins, and we came to a halt.  At a gesture from my friend the team was turned about.

“Kanchin stepped carefully from the sledge and asked me to hand him the rope attached to the cage.  He tied this to the rear cross-bar, and removing his cloak told me to do the same.  Getting our guns, ammunition, and ourselves in readiness, and taking our seats with our backs toward the driver, we threw out the pig and his cage and ordered Ivan to proceed.

“The first cry from the pig awoke an answering howl in a dozen directions.  The horses sprang as if struck with a heavy hand, and I felt my blood chill at the dismal sound.  The driver with great difficulty kept his team from breaking into a gallop.  Five minutes later, a wolf came galloping from the forest on the left side where I sat.

“‘Don’t fire till he is quite near,’ said Kanchin, ’we shall have no occasion to make long shots.’

“The wolf was distinctly visible on the clean snow, and I allowed him to approach within twenty yards.  I fired, and he fell.  As I turned to re-load Kanchin raised his gun to shoot a wolf approaching the right of the sledge.  His shot was successful, the wolf falling dead upon the snow.