The sand-drifts and the reeds were already drying up in the steppes, and the cattle, lowing, ran into the fields in the day-time.

The boars migrated into the distant reed-beds and to the hills beyond the Terek.
Mosquitoes and gnats swarmed in thick clouds over the low lands and villages.

The snow-peaks were hidden in grey mist.

The air was rarefied and smoky.

It was said that abreks had crossed the now shallow river and were prowling on this side of it.