Chapter 7 Summary

As the mob, several thousand strong, armed with whatever they find, beat down doors and break windows, calling for Pencherjevsky's blood, the Count puts Valla under Flashy's protection and sends them tearfully on their way. They harness a three-horse sled in record time and escape just ahead of the mob. Looking back, they see the house in flames, Valla tries to struggle out before fainting dead away. They race ahead, East finally seeing that they will not be pursued. It is heaven-sent.

Inside the sled is snug as passengers snuggle in furs; the driver exposed to the winter quickly freezes. They have adequate provisions for the 5-6 hour ride to Yenitchi. East and Flashy take turns driving. During one time off, East doses Valla with laudanum to put her back to sleep and Flashy hides his anger at losing the opportunity to comfort...