It was shortly after noon that they came in sight of the railroad, and Jack made out the same station where the train had stopped when he had entered his first fight in Siberia. The party rode up to the station and alighted. All entered the station, where the officer approached the operator.
“Special train will be here in half an hour, sir,” replied the operator in reply to the officer’s question. “You are in good time, sir.”
“Very well,” said the officer.
He sat down to wait.
It was less than half an hour later that a distant rumble gave notice that the train was approaching. A few moments later it drew up at the station. The Russian officer uttered an exclamation of astonishment as troops began to pour from the twenty cars.
“By the Czar!” he exclaimed. “I wonder why General Burgoff comes in such force? I had expected that he would come practically alone. Here he must have five thousand men!”
Nevertheless he advanced to meet the Russian commander without delay.
General Burgoff descended from his car with a firm step and haughty mien. He did not pay much attention to the officer who came forward to greet him, other than to return his salute and say a few words. He spoke to one of his own officers.
“Have the men on the march immediately,” he said sharply.
The latter saluted and moved away.