Blessings on the red sash of the drosky-man--I caught at that! He drove faster and faster, and I clung tighter and tighter, but alarmed at two immense dangers: first, that I should stop his breath by dragging the girdle so tightly; and, next, that when it became unendurable to him, he would loosen it in front.
"I could not perceive that he was aware of my existence at all! He had only one object in life,--to carry us across the city to our place of destination, and to get his copecks in return.
"In a few days I learned to like the jolly vehicles very much.

They are so numerous that you may pick one up on any street, whenever you are tired of walking.
"My principal object in visiting St.Petersburg was the astronomical observatory at Pulkova, some twelve miles distant.
"I had letters to the director, Otto von Struve, but our consul declared that I must also have one from him, for Struve was a very great man.

I, of course, accepted it.
"We made the journey by rail and coach, but it would be better to drive the whole way.
"Most observatories are temples of silence, and quiet reigns.

As we drove into the grounds at Pulkova, a small crowd of children of all ages, and servants of all degrees, came out to meet us.

They did not come out to do us honor, but to gaze at us.