A few minutes thought, however, solved the problem admirably:
he placed the basin face downwards in the rapid stream which swept it
to the iron bars between the two cells, and there it lay quite
concealed with the swift water rippling over it. This done, he flung
off his clothes, and got into bed, not awakening until the gaoler and
his assistant brought in bread, cheese and coffee for breakfast.
The next day he began to feel the inconveniences of the Governor's
friendship, and wished he were safely back to the time when one loaf
lasted four days, for if such were now the case, he would be free of
the constant state of tension which the ever-recurring visits of the
gaoler caused. He feared that some day he might become so absorbed in
his occupation that he would not hear the withdrawing of the bolt, and
thus, as it were, be caught in the act.
Shortly after lunch the Governor sent for him, and asked many
questions pertaining to the running of the dynamo. Lermontoff
concealed his impatience, and set about his instructions with
exemplary earnestness. Russian text books on electricity at hand were
of the most rudimentary description, and although the Governor could
speak German he could not read it, so the two volumes he possessed in
that language were closed to him. Therefore John was compelled to
begin at the very A B C of the science.
The Governor, however, became so deeply interested that he momentarily
forgot his caution, unlocked a door, and took Lermontoff into a room
which he saw was the armory and ammunition store-house of the prison.
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