This it was that occupied the convoy, and this was the reason why Nekhludoff and others were not permitted to approach the cars while the formalities were unfinished. However, upon bribing one of the sergeants, Nekhludoff was permitted to come near the cars, the sergeant asking him to do his errand so that the captain would not see him. There were eighteen cars, and all, except the one reserved for the authorities, were literally packed with prisoners. Passing by the windows, Nekhludoff listened to the sounds within. Everywhere he heard the rattling of chains, bustle, and the hum of conversation, interspersed with stupid profanity; but nowhere did he hear, as he expected, any reference to the dead comrades. Their conversation related more to sacks, drinking-water, and the choice of seats. Looking into the window of one of the cars, Nekhludoff saw some guardsmen removing the handcuffs from the wrists of the prisoners. The prisoners stretched out their hands, while one of the guards with a key opened the locks of the handcuffs, which were collected by another. When Nekhludoff reached the second car occupied by the women he heard a woman's moan, "Oh, heavens! Oh, heavens!" Nekhludoff passed by and approached one of the windows of the third car, pointed out to him by one of the guards. Overheated air, impregnated with a thick odor of perspiration, assailed his nostrils, and shrill women's voices were distinctly heard. All the benches were occupied by flushed, perspiring women in waists and coats, loudly conversing. His approach attracted their attention. Those sitting nearest to the grated window became silent. Maslova, in a waist and without headgear, was sitting near the opposite window. The smiling Theodosia, who was sitting near Maslova, seeing Nekhludoff, pushed her with her elbow and pointed to Nekhludoff. Maslova hurriedly rose, threw a 'kerchief over her black hair, and, with an animated, red, perspiring and smiling face, came near the window and placed her hands on the grating. "But how warm it is!" she said, smiling joyously. "Did you get the things?" "I did, thank you." "Do you need anything?" asked Nekhludoff, feeling the heat issuing from the window as from a steam bath. "I do not need anything. Thank you." "If we could only get some water," said Theodosia. "Yes, some water," repeated Maslova. "I will ask one of the guards," said Nekhludoff. "We will not meet now until we reach Nijhni." "Why, are you going there?" she said, as if she did not know it, but joyously glancing at Nekhludoff. "I am going on the next train." Maslova was silent for a few moments; then sighed deeply. "Is it true, master, that twelve people have died from the heat?" said a churlish old woman in a hoarse voice. It was Korableva. "I don't know that twelve have died. I have seen two," said Nekhludoff. "They say twelve. They ought to be punished for it, the devils!" "How is it with the women?" asked Nekhludoff.