Three minutes had not passed before Michael Strogoff reappeared,
accompanied by the agent. In his hand he held his podorojna,
which threw open the roads to Siberia for him. He again
approached the young Livonian, and holding out his hand:
"Sister," said he.

She understood. She rose as if some sudden inspiration prevented
her from hesitating a moment.

"Sister," repeated Michael Strogoff, "we are authorized to continue
our journey to Irkutsk. Will you come with me?"

"I will follow you, brother," replied the girl, putting her hand into
that of Michael Strogoff. And together they left the police station.


CHAPTER VII GOING DOWN THE VOLGA

A LITTLE before midday, the steamboat's bell drew to the wharf
on the Volga an unusually large concourse of people,
for not only were those about to embark who had intended to go,
but the many who were compelled to go contrary to their wishes.
The boilers of the Caucasus were under full pressure; a slight
smoke issued from its funnel, whilst the end of the escape-pipe
and the lids of the valves were crowned with white vapor.
It is needless to say that the police kept a close watch over
the departure of the Caucasus, and showed themselves pitiless to
those travelers who did not satisfactorily answer their questions.