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 A MAGIC NIGHT ON THE VOLGA

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platform arranged; different slogans and placards were nailed to the walls ; wooden benches were put round for the visitors, and electricity was being installed to work the revolving cylinders. The writing-tables were brought on board and the sound of laughter and the clicking of machines came from the typists’ rooms. A pale young man was walking up and down the steamer fixing enamel signs on various doors : ‘ The Department of Mutual Credit ‘ Private ’ General Office ‘ Typing Department ’ ; and under these he nailed smaller ones ; ‘No Admittance Except on Business ‘ No Admittance ‘ All Inquiries should be Directed to the Registrar The first-class saloon was arranged for an exhibition, which raised a storm of indignation from Malkin, Galkin, Palkin, Chaikin, and Zalkind. ‘ Where are we going to eat ? And what if it rains ? ’ they shouted excitedly. Then there was a louder shout. The ‘ Five Noises ’ had discovered that the producer had taken the four chairs into his own cabin. ‘ That’s very nice,’ they shouted sarcastically. ‘ We’U have to rehearse sitting on hard bunks while the producer and his fat wife are using four chairs. Besides, what’s his wife got to do with the company ? We too might like to have our wives here.’ Bender stood on the landing-stage and looked wist­ fully at the steamer. Suddenly Bender and Hippolyte heard a fresh out­ burst of shouts. ‘ Why didn’t you tell me before ? ’ shouted a member of the commission. ‘ How was I to know he’d faU ill ? ’ ‘ It’s damnable ! Go straight back and insist on an artist being sent to us at once.’ ‘ Where am I to go ? It’s six o’clock and the place will be closed. Besides, the steamer leaves in half an hour’s time.’