Here, a problem arises in this scenario: where does he get the gun
from? Because of condensation issues, poachers’ guns are usually stored
outside, in order to maintain a stable temperature. However, since it was
late, and a patrol was unlikely, Markov may have simply leaned it up
outside the door along with his cartridge belt. If that is the case, then he
has a chance of retrieving it—so long as the tiger is on the far side of the
caravan. Another possibility is that he has the gun inside on the floor.
When it is this cold—minus thirty or so—poorly insulated cabins may
stay ice-cold below knee height because the heat from the stove rises and
dissipates so quickly. In any case, Markov now has his gun. His dogs are
whining and barking, and he is going to have to do something decisive.
However, as soon as he brings the gun up to window height, there is a
significant change in temperature and the steel components start
sweating, as do the brass shells. At this rate, it won’t take long for the
gunpowder to be compromised, if it isn’t already. There is a new moon so
visibility is poor, but Markov can hear the tiger, which at this point is
making no effort to disguise its presence. Perhaps it has already killed
one of his dogs, an offense many tayozhniks would consider just cause
for shooting a tiger. At least one of his dogs is a trained hunter, a
“breadwinner,” and his livelihood depends on it. Markov is frightened,
angry, and maybe a little drunk. Humble as it is, this is his castle, and
there is a tiger at the gate.
In addition to a couple of small windows and the door, Markov’s
caravan also had openings cut specifically for shooting in case deer or
boar should wander into range. In this way, his trailer doubled as a kind
of live-in hunting blind. From one of these openings, Markov finds his
angle, thrusts the barrel through, and takes his shot from point-blank
range, aiming for the tiger’s chest or head. There is a furious roar and a
thrashing of brush, and the tiger is gone. For now. Markov reloads
immediately. His heart is pounding. No one who has been challenged by a
tiger comes away unmoved, and it is hard to tell who is more frightened
now, Markov or his dogs. Once he has determined that the tiger is gone
for the moment, Markov finds himself overcome with the need for a
cigarette. If his dogs are outside, maybe he calls them in—if they haven’t
ron
(Ron)
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