He huddled up and breathed into the collar which covered his mouth, and was not wholly cold.

“What do you think⁠—shall we go through Karamýshevo or by the straight road?” asked Vasíli Andréevich.

The road through Karamýshevo was more frequented and was well marked with a double row of high stakes. The straight road was nearer but little used and had no stakes, or only poor ones covered with snow.

Nikíta thought awhile.

“Though Karamýshevo is farther, it is better going,” he said.

“But by the straight road, when once we get through the hollow by the forest, it’s good going⁠—sheltered,” said Vasíli Andréevich, who wished to go the nearest way.

“Just as you please,” said Nikíta, and again let go of his collar.