g on. In front of me a huge, purplish
cloud was slowly rising from behind the forest; overhead, and
advancing to meet me, floated long, gray clouds; the willows
were rustling and whispering with apprehension. The stifling
heat suddenly gave way to a damp chill; the shadows swiftly
thickened. I slapped the reins on the horse's back, descended
into a ravine, crossed a dry brook, all overgrown with
scrub-willows, ascended the hill, and drove into the forest.
The road in front of me wound along among thick clumps of
hazel-bushes, and was already inundated with gloom; I advanced
with difficulty. My gig jolted over the firm roots of the
centenarian oaks and lindens, which incessantly intersected the
long, deep ruts--the traces of cart-wheels; my horse began to
stumble. A strong wind suddenly began to drone up above, the
trees grew turbulent, big drops of rain clattered sharply, and
splashed on the leaves, the lightning and thunder burst forth,
the rain poured in torrents. I drove at a foot-pace, and was
speedily compelled to halt; my horse stuck fast. I could not
see a single object. I sheltered myself after a fashion under a
wide-spreading bush. Bent double, with my face wrapped up, I
was patiently awaiting the end of the storm, when, suddenly, by
the gleam of a lightning-flash, it seemed to me that I descried
a tall figure on the road. I began to gaze attentively in that
direction--the same figure sprang out of the earth as it were
beside my gig.

"Who is this?" asked a sonorous voice.

"Who are you yourself?"

"I'm the forester here."

I mentioned my name.

"Ah, I know; you are on your way home?"

"Yes. But you see what a storm--"

"Yes, it is a thunderstorm," replied the voice. A white flash
of lightning illuminated the forester from head to foot; a
short, crashing peal of thunder resounded immediately
afterwards. The rain poured down with redoubled force.

"It will not pass over very soon," continued the forester.

"What is to be done?"

"I'll conduct you to my cottage if you like," he said,
abruptly.

"Pray do."

"Please take your seat."

He stepped to the mare's head, took her by the bit, and turned
her from the spot. We set out. I clung to the cushion of the
drozhky, which rocked like a s