"Yes," replied Kéraban, "we shall continue upon the shore route all along."
"And whither are we bound just now?"
"To Koblewo, about twelve leagues from Odessa. We shall arrive at the place this evening."
"And after leaving Koblewo?"
"We shall travel all night, and reach Nikolaief to-morrow about midday. We shall then have made eighteen leagues more."
"Very good, uncle; we must travel quickly. But after leaving Nikolaief, don't you think of reaching the Caucasus district in a day or two?"
"How?" asked Kéraban.
"By taking the train. The South Russian line by Alexandroff and Rostow would enable us to accomplish a good third of our journey."
"Use a railway?" exclaimed Kéraban.
At that instant Van Mitten touched his youthful neighbour, and said in a low tone,—
"It is useless to discuss the question. He has a horror of railways."
Ahmet was not unaware of his uncle's peculiarities in this and other respects, but he fancied that for once he would yield. But Kéraban would not be Kéraban if he did give way.
"I think you were speaking of railways?" he said.
"Yes, uncle."
"And you wish that I should do what I have never yet done—"
"It seems to me—"
"You wish that I, Kéraban, should permit myself to be dragged like a fool along an iron rail by a steam engine?"
"When you have tried it—"
"Ahmet, it is evident you have not reflected upon this suggestion which you dare to make to me!"
"But, uncle—"
"I tell you, you have not thought of what you are saying."
"I assure you, uncle, that in the 'waggons'—"
