Ivan remained silent, rather than apologise in the cringing phraseology of Gavril, for he did not wish to be recognised at present.
But the Barin's drowsiness was not yet slept off, and in a minute or two he was fast asleep again, and snoring.
"Olga, do you know what the horse shied at?" whispered Ivan.
"No," said the girl; "unless it was a shadow in the moonlight."
"Keep a guard upon your lips and I will tell you; it was a wolf. At this moment I can count five, taking both sides of the road; watch between the trees a hundred paces from the road; you will see them creep from shadow to shadow, keeping pace with us."
"Holy Mother of God!" exclaimed Olga, piously crossing herself; "yes--I see them--Lord have mercy upon us. I cannot forget Kiril who died but a week ago!"
"Do not fear," said Ivan; "these wolves may yet prove to be our best friends."
Olga pondered in silence over this enigmatical utterance of Ivan's. She concluded at length that he must have meant it would be dangerous to stop in order to murder the Barin, as he had threatened to do, and that therefore the wolves must be regarded as good friends having thus prevented the intended crime. The discovery gave Olga much comfort.
"The wolves are more and more," said Ivan presently, "and they come in closer and closer to the road. There are at least a score, or it may be thirty; doubtless it is Kiril's pack."
"Bah! if there were three hundred there would be no danger behind these good horses--I would race the brutes from now until daylight!" said Ivan. "There is nothing to fear, Olga, only hold tightly to your seat."
Olga shuddered, but did as she was bidden. The wolves, as Ivan said, increased every moment in numbers and in audacity. They made no sound, but they cantered nearer on each side of the road, but twenty paces from the sledge, while others followed behind. The three horses, harnessed abreast, snorted with terror; they laid back their ears and dragged the light sledge at a hand-gallop. Ivan was a practised whip--every Russian peasant is--and controlled the pace at his desire. The Barin slept heavily on.
"How many there are, and how bold they grow!" whispered Olga. "Are you sure we are safe, Ivan?"
"Only hold on tightly," said Ivan hoarsely. A moment later he added:--