In such darkness as this great care was necessary lest he should leave the road, bordered by pools and streams, tributaries of the Obi.

Michael therefore advanced as quickly as was consistent with safety.

He trusted no less to the excellence of his eyes, which penetrated the gloom, than to the well-proved sagacity of his horse.
Just as Michael dismounted to discover the exact direction of the road, he heard a confused murmuring sound from the west.

It was like the noise of horses' hoofs at some distance on the parched ground.

Michael listened attentively, putting his ear to the ground.
"It is a detachment of cavalry coming by the road from Omsk," he said to himself.