Had the village of Osterno possessed the liveliness of a Spanish hamlet, the sound of voices and laughter could not have reached the castle perched high up on the rock above.
But Osterno was asleep: the castle servants had long gone to rest, and the great silence of Russia wrapped its wings over all.

"When, therefore, the clear, coughing bark of a wolf was heard, both occupants of the little room looked up.

The sound was repeated, and Steinmetz slowly rose from his seat.
"I can quite believe that our friend is able to call a wolf or a lynx to him," he said.

"He does it uncannily well." "I have seen him do so," said Paul, without looking up.

"But it is a common enough accomplishment among the keepers." Steinmetz had left the room before he finished speaking.