DOWN THE VOLGA.
A difference of three rubles in the fare does not compensate the traveller for the discomforts of the second-class cars from Moscow to Nijni Novgorod, and Dr. Winstock took first-class tickets for his little party; indeed, it does not pay to go there at all, except during the great fair. The cars were very good, in one of which was the innovation of a door connecting two compartments, and our party took possession of it, though one gentleman had already seated himself there. He was very polite, and spoke French, so that the doctor was not at all anxious to get rid of him. The train started. The landscape was about the same as on the road from St. Petersburg; consequently there was little to be seen from the windows.
The train was late, and did not arrive at its destination till nine o'clock in the morning. Most of the students, by doubling up on the seats, had slept very well, and were tolerably fresh. They entered the fine brick station, and seated themselves in the restaurant. The Tartar waiters were all attention.
"Breakfast—Déjeûner—Frühstück," said Lincoln who had seated himself with Scott and Bill Bobstay.
The waiter smiled blandly, and shook his head.
"Café," added the commodore.
"Da," which is the Russian for "yes."
"Bifstek?"
"Da."
"Will you have the same, Scott?" added Lincoln.