nd there, and I was ready for
him. But when he laid it down and dropped off into a heavy sleep, I
could have laughed.

"I would have taken a nap myself, but his stentorian snores made
it impossible. There was nothing to see outside but a dreary scene
through the snow that was coming down in fine, white driving
particles. At times there would be distant forests of rather stunted
pines, but for the most part, only the desolate stretch of plains.

"Once in a while we would come to a stop at a small station, but
only for a short time, and then the train with its long line of
flat-looking coaches, would rumble out over the barren plain.
By-and-by I began to feel very hungry and I realized that there was
going to be no stop for meals, as the other passengers, more familiar
with the custom of the country, had no doubt provided themselves with
hampers of provisions.

"I looked at the Grand Duke or whatever it might be, and he was
sleeping as only a big man who is quite intoxicated can sleep. Then
my eye wandered to the hamper. Instantly my hunger hardened into
resolution. I was not going to starve with that within my reach. I
stooped down and picked it up, then opened it on my knee.

"I had never seen anything more dainty, and more elegant, than was the
arrangement of that basket. As for the contents, well, I can only
recall, I cannot describe. For warming tea there was an arrangement
of silver and ebony in one compartment. Likewise a roasted fowl in a
delicious sauce, and stuffed with chestnuts. Also bread and caviar,
the latter a Russian delicacy of fish-roe or eggs."

"I wouldn't like that," cut in Tom.

"How do you know?" reproved Joe, "you never tried it."

"Fish eggs!" exclaimed Tom with a grimace.

"You would have turned up your nose at birds' nests too," said Jim,
"until the Captain told us how fine they were, and not at all like
we supposed."

"Yes," nodded the engineer, "birds' nests are all right, I've eaten
them in China. They are gathered before the birds ever nest in them."

"But go on with your story, I'm anxious to see how you made out. It
was certainly an interesting experience," urged Jim.

"I should say so," chorused the boys.

"I'm glad you like it," remarked the engineer, "and it was an
entertaining situation, especially the lunch part of it. Where was I?"

"Caviar," suggested Tom.

"Oh, yes. Well, on the bill of fare were different cakes, jellies and
jams, all beautifully put up. As to th