To a desperate caprice of the same kind is due the construction of the railroad from St. Petersburg to Moscow, called the Nicholas railroad. The emperor had in his court a certain general, Kleinmichel, a disagreeable person, exceedingly unpopular, and of equivocal fidelity, but who pleased by his reticence and promptness in executing orders. When the road was decided upon by a counsel of ministers, and its erection considered urgent, a map of Russia was brought to the czar, who was asked to look over the course designated by the different engineers and give his preference. Nicholas, without saying a word, took the map, marked a straight line from Moscow to St. Petersburg, and said to the stupefied engineers:
"This is the line of the railroad."
"But," they all cried, "impossible. Your majesty will find no one to undertake such a work. It would be to hide treasures in a desert."
"No one undertake it when I command it to be done!" said Nicholas. "We shall see."
And signalling Kleinmichel from a corner:
"Kleinmichel," said he, "you see this line?"
"Yes, sire."
"This is a new railroad I propose constructing in my empire."
"Sire, it is magnificent!"
"You think so? Will you charge yourself, then, with the execution of my orders?"