Down on the lower deck, squatting about on the floor playing various games, were many brown-clad Tatars, their brown garb extending even to the heavy brown cloth head-coverings. Less socially inclined were gaunt Kalmucks with shaven heads. All showed their Mongolian origin by their narrow, slant eyes. Of Mongolian origin also, but Russian in appearance, were several Mordvin families going back to their homes in Simbirsk and Samara. These people, as well as nearly all the Russians, were preparing their afternoon potation of tea, made from pressed tea bricks and hot water which they obtained from the waiters. The current of the Volga is very slow and even, the fall being slight, and as the boat stopped only at large towns, which on the river are widely separated, the boys on going to bed slept as soundly as they would have done in their own home. On the right bank of the Volga there are usually bluffs, sometimes quite high hills, while much of the country on the left bank is low and flat. The boys spent the greater part of the next day lazily gazing out over the level fields, or inspecting the villages past which they steamed. On the third day, August 5, they reached the large city of Kazan, where the boat stopped several hours to make a considerable change of cargo. The boys stationed themselves near the gangplank to watch the unloading, for the city is some five miles from the landing and they thought it too far away to visit. There was a great deal of animated talking between the men of the boat and the men on the wharf, and the boys wondered if the Russian roustabouts were always so vivacious. Presently one of the Russian sailors, whom they had not especially noticed, addressed them in excellent English. “I suppose you young gentlemen don’t understand what these men are saying.” “No,” said Sidney; “we don’t understand a word.” “They are talking about the war; it’s going to be a big fight.” “Then Germany and Austria will both fight Russia?” “Yes, but Russia is backed up by England and France.” “Has England joined in the war, too?” “She joined yesterday; she and France are Russia’s allies, and they are bound to help her.”