In the great square, the boldest among the boys would often tie their sledges to the country people's carts, and go with them a good way. This was capital.

But while they were all amusing themselves, and Kay with them, a great sledge came by; it was painted white, and in it sat some one wrapped in a rough white fur, and wearing a white cap.

The sledge drove twice round the square, and Kay fastened his own little sledge to it, so that when it went away, he followed with it.

It went faster and faster right through the next street, and then the person who drove turned round and nodded pleasantly to Kay, just as if they were acquainted with each other, but whenever Kay wished to loosen his little sledge the driver nodded again, so Kay sat still, and they drove out through the town gate.

Then the snow began to fall so heavily that the little boy could not see a hand's breadth before him, but still they drove on; then he suddenly loosened the cord so that the large sled might go on without him, but it was of no use, his little carriage held fast, and away they went like the wind.

Then he called out loudly, but nobody heard him, while the snow beat upon him, and the sledge flew onwards.

Every now and then it gave a jump as if it were going over hedges and ditches.

The boy was frightened, and tried to say a prayer, but he could remember nothing but the multiplication table.

The snow-flakes became larger and larger, till they appeared like great white chickens.

All at once they sprang on one side, the great sledge stopped, and the person who had driven it rose up.