I slapped the reins on the horse's back, descended into a ravine, crossed a dry brook, all overgrown with scrub-willows, ascended the hill, and drove into the forest.
The road in front of me wound along among thick clumps of hazel-bushes, and was already inundated with gloom; I advanced with difficulty.

My gig jolted over the firm roots of the centenarian oaks and lindens, which incessantly intersected the long, deep ruts--the traces of cart-wheels; my horse began to stumble.

A strong wind suddenly began to drone up above, the trees grew turbulent, big drops of rain clattered sharply, and splashed on the leaves, the lightning and thunder burst forth, the rain poured in torrents.

I drove at a foot-pace, and was speedily compelled to halt; my horse stuck fast.

I could not see a single object.