As to the mountains which encase it, they form
a branch of the Toungouzes, and are derived from the vast system
of the Altai.
In this territory, subject to peculiar climatical conditions,
the autumn appears to be absorbed in the precocious winter.
It was now the beginning of October. The sun set at five o'clock in
the evening, and during the long nights the temperature fell to zero.
The first snows, which would last till summer, already whitened
the summits of the neighboring hills. During the Siberian winter
this inland sea is frozen over to a thickness of several feet,
and is crossed by the sleighs of caravans.
Either because there are people who are so wanting in politeness
as to call it "Sir Lake," or for some more meteorological reason,
Lake Baikal is subject to violent tempests. Its waves, short like those
of all inland seas, are much feared by the rafts, prahms, and steamboats,
which furrow it during the summer.
It was the southwest point of the lake which Michael had
now reached, carrying Nadia, whose whole life, so to speak,
was concentrated in her eyes. But what could these two expect,
in this wild region, if it was not to die of exhaustion and famine?
And yet, what remained of the long journey of four thousand miles
for the Czar's courier to reach his end? Nothing but forty
miles on the shore of the lake up to the mouth of the Angara,
and sixty miles from the mouth of the Angara to Irkutsk;
in all, a hundred miles, or three days' journey for a strong man,
even on foot.
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