But they had eagerly accepted the offer to have some wolf-shooting.
One night, everything having been prepared, they took their seats in a sledge drawn by two of the fastest horses in the stables of the countess.

A whole battery of guns was placed in the seat with them.
The sledge was larger than that which they were accustomed to use, and held four, besides the driver.

Two woodmen--experienced hunters--took their places on the seat facing the midshipmen.

A portion of the carcase of a horse, which had broken its leg and been shot the previous day, was fastened behind the sledge.
A drive of an hour took them far into the heart of the forest, although the coachman drove much slower than usual, in order that the horses might be perfectly fresh when required.

Presently the woodmen told the driver that they had gone far enough, and the sledge was turned, the horses facing homeward.