Chapter 8 Summary

The comrades are back "home" in the mole hole, as the mine is called. A blizzard has rolled in above them. They are called out to clear railroad tracks of snow and ice. During the process, they take shelter near one of the coal trucks. They make a snow fort and light lamps, which provides some heat. A packet of herring is produced, but they have nothing to drink. Shurik sets out with a bucket for some water. As he passes by one of the trucks, he sees a figure, and takes it for one of the guards. He ducks. He finds some water near the locomotive and returns. He sees the figure again and waves a nervous greeting. The figure seems to wave back. The little group enjoys its tasty meal. As they eat, Shurik listens to Kirill tell of his beloved...