At the first howl the horses (begin) to strain and rear, but the driver (speak) to them soothingly, and they (quiet) down, but (shiver) and (sweat) as though after a runaway from sudden fright. Then, far off in the distance, from the mountains on each side of us (begin) a louder and a sharper howling, that of wolves, which (affect) both the horses and myself in the same way. For I was minded to jump from the coach and run, whilst they (rear) again and (plunge) madly, so that the driver (have) to use all his great strength to keep them from bolting. In a few minutes, however, my own ears (get) accustomed to the sound, and the horses so far (become) quiet that the driver was able to descend and to stand before them.

He (pet) and (soothe) them, and (whisper) something in their ears, as I have heard of horse-tamers doing, and with extraordinary effect, for under his caresses they (become) quite manageable again, though they still (tremble). The driver again (take) his seat, and shaking his reins, (start) off at a great pace. This time, after going to the far side or the Pass, he suddenly (turn) down a narrow roadway which (run) sharply to the right.

Soon we were hemmed in with trees, which in places (arch) right over the roadway till we (pass) as through a tunnel. And again great frowning rocks (guard) us boldly on either side. Though we were in shelter, we could hear the rising wind, for it (moan) and (whistle) through the rocks, and the branches of the trees (crash) together as we (sweep) along. It (grow) colder and colder still, and fine, powdery snow (begin) to fall, so that soon we and all around us were covered with a white blanket. The keen wind still (carry) the howling of the dogs, though this (grow) fainter as we (go) on our way. The baying of the wolves (sound) nearer and nearer, as though they were closing round on us from every side.