Several Tartar detachments had passed along the highway of the steppe.

Everything had been stolen or requisitioned both in the villages and in the posting-houses.

It was with difficulty that Michael Strogoff was even able to obtain some refreshment for his horse and himself.
It was of great importance, therefore, to spare his horse, for he could not tell when or how he might be able to replace it.

Desiring, however, to put the greatest possible distance between himself and the horsemen who had no doubt been dispatched in pursuit, he resolved to push on.
After one hour's rest he resumed his course across the steppe.
Hitherto the weather had been propitious for his journey.

The temperature was endurable.