The whole forest seemed to be on the alert--astir and in suspense.

The wolf, disturbed in his lair, no doubt heard and understood the cry of the watchful snipe and the sudden silence of the willow-grouse, who loves to sit and laugh when all is safe.

A clumsy capercailzie, swinging along over the trees with a great flap and rush of wings, seemed to be intent on his own solitary, majestic business--a very king among the fowls of the air.
Amid the topmost branches of the pines the wind whispered and stirred like a child in sleep; but beneath all was still.

Every branch stood motionless beneath its burden of snow.

The air was thin, exhilarating, brilliant--like dry champagne.