“To the Petropaulovski Fortress.”

“The Pet—? ’Tis a melodious name.”

“’Tis called the Citadel for shortness.”

“Where situated?”

“On the other side of the Neva.”

“Far or near?”

“Three versts away. If the gospodin likes, he may hire a vehicle to take us thither.”

“Thanks; but I’m in no particular hurry to reach your polysyllabic fortress. Who is the governor of it?”

“Count Arcadius Baranoff.”

“The devil!”