The Horse-Stealers and Other Stories

Yergunov, a boastful and drunken hospital assistant, faces a perilous situation after a snowstorm strikes while he is returning home from a nearby hamlet. Despite borrowing the doctor's finest horse to ensure a timely return, he becomes disoriented and lost just four miles from safety. The story explores themes of folly and the unpredictability of circumstances, showcasing Yergunov's character as he navigates the challenges posed by the harsh winter weather.