CHAPTER XVII.

KRASNOYARSK TO TOMSK.

Sledges--Sulky yemschiks--Progress to Achinsk--Limit of Eastern Siberia--Game--The Chulim--Difficult ferry-- Government of Tomsk--Bad roads again--Job's comforters-- Mariinsk--An accident--And another--Resources of a yemschik--A drive through a forest--Ishimskaya--A day too late--A sporting Pole--Disappointment--Annoying delay--Freezing river--A cold bath--Sledge travelling--A night scene--Early birds--Arrive in Tomsk--Our lodging-- Religion of Russians--Scruples of a murderer--Population and situation of Tomsk--Fire Insurance--Climate of Tomsk-- Supply of water--Carefulness and hardiness--Skating--Demure little boys--An extinct species--The gold diggings--The Siberian tribes 273