warmth of his furs. He heard the lashes of the whip on the horses’ back and the call by the driver that prodded the animals to take to a trotting pace.”
“The droshky skidded along the icy road as the two horses plodded along; their iron shod feet gripped the road with each thud of their hooves, now and again slipping on an icy patch. But the driver was ever alert in his ability to prevent a fall by the animals. The sound of the clopping hooves, the jingle of the harness chains, and the soft clucking of the driver to his horses lulled the passing time. “
“The colonel’s eyelids closed in weariness and before long he was leaning back in the plush of the coach in deep sleep. But rest was denied a long spell as the braking of the coach and the nervous neighs of the horses again jolted the officer. He cursed angrily at the coachman and demanded a reply to the sudden stop.”
“The was no answer by driver as he was terror-stricken. The colonel looked about and saw roughly dressed men and women with weapons in their hands surrounding the droshky. He looked beyond the mob and saw red flags flying…”
Grandmother Alica closed the book and sighed. Then she looked upon me and wished me a Good Night, but my sleepy eyes were nearly shut before she uttered her words….
the author is a former correspondent for the Continental News Service (USA), now retired..