“And how often do the trains run?”
“It used to be only once weekly, but since the line is finished it is every other day. Many military and Tchinovinks go through.”
“Is there a train today?”
“What is today?” the man asked vaguely.
“It is Saturday.”
“Yes, there is a train — it leaves at midday.”
“Do you know how long it takes?”
“To Tobolsk, about eight hours — to Turinsk, some five hours, perhaps.”
“And are permissions necessary?” De Richleau asked casually.
“It depends,” said the landlord; “for Turinsk no special permission is necessary, but in the case of foreigners I should think your tickets would require endorsement; however, it is of no great moment; the Tchinovinks hate to be bothered. They sleep all day; if there is trouble, give a few roubles, and all will be well.”