None of the human population are visible, and no wonder.
It must be cold enough outside.

Even in this well-warmed compartment one can barely keep feet and fingers from getting numbed.
It is almost dark when, towards six o'clock, there appears, far ahead, a thin streak of silver, separating the dreary brown landscape from the cold grey sky.
"We have nearly arrived, monsieur," says Gerome.

"There is the Caspian Sea." [Footnote A: The sacred image of the Saviour or Holy Virgin.] [Footnote B: The name Tiflis is derived from _Tbilis Kalaki_, or "Hot Town," so called from the hot mineral springs near which it stands.] [Footnote C: _Bourka_, a long sleeveless coat made of goatskin.] [Footnote D: _Bashlik_, the soft camel-hair hood and neckerchief in one, worn by Russian soldiers.] [Footnote E: A _verst_ is about three-quarters of a mile.].