the highest summit not being more than five thousand feet.
Eternal snow is there unknown, and what is piled up
by the Siberian winter is soon melted by the summer sun.
Shrubs and trees grow to a considerable height.
The iron and copper mines, as well as those of precious stones,
draw a considerable number of workmen to that region.
Also, those villages termed "gavody" are there met with
pretty frequently, and the road through the great passes is
easily practicable for post-carriages.

But what is easy enough in fine weather and broad daylight,
offers difficulties and perils when the elements are engaged
in fierce warfare, and the traveler is in the midst of it.
Michael Strogoff knew from former experience what a storm
in the mountains was, and perhaps this would be as terrible
as the snowstorms which burst forth with such vehemence
in the winter.

Rain was not yet falling, so Michael raised the leathern curtains
which protected the interior of the tarantass and looked out,
watching the sides of the road, peopled with fantastic shadows,
caused by the wavering light of the lanterns. Nadia, motionless,
her arms folded, gazed forth also, though without leaning forward,
whilst her companion, his body half out of the carriage,
examined both sky and earth.

The calmness of the atmosphere was very threatening, the air being
perfectly still. It was just as if Nature were half stifled,
and could no longer breathe; her lungs, that is to say those gloomy,
dense clouds, not being able to perform their functions.