On 12 January, having hired horses for himself, his servant and the guide, and three camels to carry their baggage, including a kibitka, or Turcoman tent, he left Kazala, ostensibly bound for the Russian garrison town.

I noticed Bruce looking at two yardage books, one bright and brand-new, the other beaten up.

The water had been warm as cowpiss in the shallows but as the line squished forward the chill made me want to either get in or get out.

The next station is Esperanza.