midday
Will you come with me ? '' `` I will follow you , brother , '' replied the girl , putting her hand into that of Michael Strogoff . And together they left the police station . A LITTLE before midday , the steamboat 's bell drew to the wharf on the Volga an unusually large concourse of people , for not only were those about to embark who had intended to go , but the many who were compelled to go contrary to their wishes . The boilers of the Caucasus were under full pressure ; a slight smoke issued from its funnel , whilst the end of the escape-pipe and the lids of the valves were crowned with white vapor . It is needless to say that the police kept a close watch over the departure of the Caucasus , and showed themselves pitiless to those travelers who did not satisfactorily answer their questions . Numerous Cossacks came and went on the quay , ready to assist the agents , but they had not to interfere , as no one ventured to offer the slightest resistance to their orders .