The great lump of meat was then unfastened from behind the sledge, and a rope some forty yards long attached to it, the other end being fastened to the sledge.

The horses were next moved forward until the rope was tight.
They were then stopped, rugs were laid across their backs to keep them warm, and the party awaited the result.
The young moon was shining in the sky, and dark objects showed clearly over the white snow for a considerable distance.

Half an hour passed without a word being spoken, and without a sound breaking the silence that reigned in the forest.

Presently a low whimpering was heard, and the boys fancied that they could see dark forms moving among the trees.

The horses became restless and excited, and it was as much as the man standing at their heads could do to quiet them.
The coachman sat looking back, whip in hand, ready for an instant start.
All at once a number of dark objects leaped from among the trees on to the broad line of snow which marked the road.
"Jump in, Ivan!" the coachman exclaimed.