There is nothing like variety of scenery on the river, and in a short time the view becomes very monotonous. There are occasional villages to be seen on the shore, but they are composed only of log-houses. The larger towns have one or more fine churches. Late in the afternoon the Stafet made a landing at one of these places, and the greater part of the deck passengers left the boat. On the bluff was a church with a green dome, and the Russian cross at the summit. As soon as they landed, all the peasants turned their faces towards the church, crossed themselves, and bowed reverently. A few dropped upon their knees, and bent to the ground. In this manner they thank God for bringing them in safety to their journey's end. No one seems to notice them, or to regard their conduct as at all singular.
The boat stopped long enough at this place to "wood up," the work of which was done by women, while scores of stout men stood by, looking on. These women were of all ages; but none of them were handsome enough to excite the sympathy of cold-blooded foreigners. They wore calico dresses, with the belt or waist directly under the arms. The wood was carried on two poles, forming a hand-barrow, and the women bore loads which would have strained the backs of ordinary men.
"That's mean," said Scott. "I don't see how those men can stand by, and not lend a helping hand."
"Yes; and customs too. This seems to be one of them," laughed the commodore.
"See that little one. She is not more than sixteen. She isn't bad looking, either; at least, not so bad looking as the rest of them."
"If you feel bad about it, Scott, you can take a hand in the job yourself."
"I will," said the joker, as the girl passed him, laughing merrily, with the pole in her hand. "Let me carry it for you;" and Scott attempted to take the pole.
She stoutly resented this interference, till Captain Ekovetz spoke to her, for he had heard the conversation. The girl laughed, and so did the old woman who worked with her. The poles were laid down and loaded, and Scott picked up his end. His share of the weight was all he could stagger under, and the solemn Russians laughed heartily at his gallantry.
"That's enough for me," said the joker, when he had dumped the load. "Here, Miss Maidenoff, I'm off."