So they ought to be good."
Charlie guessed that the team must have been a present from the
czar, and, remembering what Doctor Kelly had said of the czar's
personal communications with him, he thought that the ruler of
Russia must have a particular liking for doctors, and that the
medical profession must be a more honoured and profitable one in
Russia than elsewhere.
After driving with great rapidity for upwards of an hour along the
banks of the Neva, Charlie saw a great number of people at work on
an island in the middle of the river, some distance ahead, and soon
afterwards, to his surprise, observed a multitude on the flat, low
ground ahead.
"This is what I have brought you to see," his companion said. "Do
you know what they are doing?"
"It seems to me that they are building a fortress on that island."
"You are right. We have got a footing on the sea, and we are going
to keep it. While Charles of Sweden is fooling away his time in
Poland, in order to gratify his spite against Augustus, we are
strengthening ourselves here, and never again will Sweden wrest
Ingria from our hands."
"It is marvellous how much has been done already," Charlie said, as
he looked at the crowd of workmen.
"Everything was prepared," his companion said.
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