They were not driving, they were on horseback, and were also followed by a mounted servant.

Kirillov, who had never mounted a horse before, sat up boldly, erect in the saddle, grasping in his right hand the heavy box of pistols which he would not entrust to the servant.

In his inexperience he was continually with his left hand tugging at the reins, which made the horse toss his head and show an inclination to rear.

This, however, seemed to cause his rider no uneasiness.

Gaganov, who was morbidly suspicious and always ready to be deeply offended, considered their coming on horseback as a fresh insult to himself, inasmuch as it showed that his opponents were too confident of success, since they had not even thought it necessary to have a carriage in case of being wounded and disabled.