"Are you asleep, sister ?" "No, brother." "Be ready for anything; here comes the storm!" "I am ready." Michael Strogoff had only just time to draw the leathern curtains, when the storm was upon them.
The iemschik leapt from his seat and seized the horses' heads, for terrible danger threatened the whole party.
The tarantass was at a standstill at a turning of the road, down which swept the hurricane; it was absolutely necessary to hold the animals' heads to the wind, for if the carriage was taken broadside it must infallibly capsize and be dashed over the precipice.

The frightened horses reared, and their driver could not manage to quiet them.

His friendly expressions had been succeeded by the most insulting epithets.
Nothing was of any use.

The unfortunate animals, blinded by the lightning, terrified by the incessant peals of thunder, threatened every instant to break their traces and flee.

The iemschik had no longer any control over his team.
At that moment Michael Strogoff threw himself from the tarantass and rushed to his assistance.