“I am greatly relieved,” I said. “You will probably have had to pay some one for the work. Permit me to repay you;” and I gave him a fifty rouble note. His good will was cheap at a five pound note; but he seemed amazed at so generous a tip. His face beamed as he pocketed it.
“Really it is not necessary,” he said. “If I can be of any further assistance, pray tell me.”
“My sister and I were thinking of going to Cracow,” I said indifferently. “Is the line safe, do you think?”
“You still wish to see the British Consul there?” This with just a shade of anxiety.
“Oh, dear no—unless it is to express my high opinion of the courtesy shown me here. Last night is forgotten. I quite understand.”
“The train will start at eleven. It is usual—a mere form of course in your case—to ask for passports when issuing tickets for stations beyond the frontier.”
“Here they are;” and I took them out of my pocket book making sure that he should see there was plenty of money in it. “Robert Garrett and Margaret Garrett, my sister.”
He just glanced at them and with a bow to Volna, returned them.
“Shall I show you where to get your tickets?” He was making everything delightfully smooth for us.
“I suppose we shall reach Cracow by about four?” I asked casually, as I took out my cigar case.