CHAPTER XXIV. 



By Sledge Across the Sibkkian Steppes. 



When I first arrived in Zaisan the doctors advised my proceeding 

 with all possible haste to Omsk for the purpose of undergoing 

 treatment in the military hospital there, but on further consulta- 

 tion this was considered impracticable in view of the state 

 of the frostbitten parts. The surgeons therefore communicated 



with the Russian 

 authorities in St. 

 Petersburg, through 

 the Governor-General, 

 in a despatch, stating 

 that the removal 

 sliould not be 

 attempted for at least 

 another fortnight. 



By the beginning 

 of February I was in 

 a fit condition to 

 undertake the long 

 sledge journey to the 

 Trans-Siberian Rail- 

 way, and therefore fixed the date of my departure for the 

 night of February 6th, completing all arrangements accordingly. 

 During that afternoon I paid a number of farewell calls, being 

 now able to don my full-dress uniform. Everyone had been 

 more than kind and hospitable to myself and Giyani during our 

 sojourn in Zaisan, and we owed them a debt of gratitude 

 it would indeed be difficult to repay. 



402 



SUMMER VIEW OF A STREET IN ZAISAN. 



