NPPF--commentary--681--gloomy Russians spied

[Paul Mackin]

The "gloomy Russians spied" throw-away line of Shade's poem gives K the
opportunity to take up again in the Zembla story the two (very ungloomy)
Russians, Andornikov and Niagarin who were engaged by the Extremists to
literally tear the palace apart in search of the Crown Jewels. (the last
the Crown Jewels had been mentioned was when Disa asks Charles about
them at Villa Paradisa)  We are told now that the jewels are not in the
palace at all but secure in a place Charles is aware of in another part
of Zembla. Nevertheless A and N have been very efficient at their jobs
and Charles is exceedingly smitten with them. They excel in sports etc.
They are in marked contrast to K's general view of modern Russians and
Zemblans under the current regimes. We are told that the two will deport
themselves well at a later time in the story.