That will not be long, for my companions are more or less fatigued by the hours they have spent in Samarkand.

The beds were ready immediately after dinner.

A few of the passengers tried a smoke on the platform, but the gust drove them in very quickly.

They have all taken up their places under the curtained lamps, and toward half-past ten the respiration of some and the snoring of others are blended with the continued grinding of the train on the steel rails.
I remained outside last of all, and Popof exchanged a few words with me.
"We shall not be disturbed to-night," he said to me, "and I would advise you to make the most of it.

To-morrow night we shall be running through the defiles of the Pamir, and we shall not travel so quietly, I am afraid." "Thanks, Popof, I will take your advice, and sleep like a marmot." Popof wished me good night and went into his cabin.
I saw no use in going back into the car, and remained on the platform.
It was impossible to see anything either to the left or right of the line.