He would tell me if these stations I see on my time-table, Balla-Ischem, Aidine, Pereval, Kansandjik, Ouchak, are of any interest--which they do not seem to be.

But it would not do for me to disturb his siesta.

And yet his conversation ought to be interesting, for as a surgeon in the Russian army he took part in the campaigns of Generals Skobeleff and Annenkof.

When our train ran through the little stations that it honors only with a whistle, he could tell me if this one or that one had been the scene of any incident of the war.

As a Frenchman I am justified in questioning him about the Russian expedition across Turkestan, and I have no doubt that my fellow passenger will be pleased to gratify me.
He is the only one I can really trust besides Popof.
But why is Popof not in his seat?
He also is not insensible to the charms of a cigar.