I will propose to soften the rigors of his imprisonment by my interviews, and to make up the scarcity of his meals by little odds and ends.

He will have nothing to fear from my imprudences.
I rap the panel.
The light suddenly goes out.
The prisoner has suspended his respiration.
I must reassure him.
"Open!" I say to him gently in Russian.
"Open--" I cannot finish the sentence; for the train gives a sudden jump and slackens speed.
But we cannot yet have reached Gheok Tepe?
There is a noise outside.
I rush out of the van and shut the door behind me.
It was time.
I have scarcely reached the platform before Popofs door opens, and without seeing me he hurries through the van on to the engine.
Almost immediately the train resumes its normal speed and Popof reappears a minute afterwards.
"What is the matter, Popof ?" "What is often the matter, Monsieur Bombarnac.

We have smashed a dromedary." "Poor brute!" "Poor brute?
He might have thrown us off the line!" "Stupid brute, then!".