He had become accustomed to this brave creature.

He knew to what extent he could rely upon him.

In buying him at Omsk he had been lucky, and in taking him to the postmaster the generous mujik had rendered him a great service.

Besides, if Michael Strogoff had already become attached to his horse, the horse himself seemed to become inured, by degrees, to the fatigue of such a journey, and provided that he got several hours of repose daily, his rider might hope that he would carry him beyond the invaded provinces.
So, during the evening and night of the 2nd of August, Michael Strogoff remained confined to his inn, at the entrance of the town; which was little frequented and out of the way of the importunate and curious.
Exhausted with fatigue, he went to bed after having seen that his horse lacked nothing; but his sleep was broken.

What he had seen since his departure from Moscow showed him the importance of his mission.