- By the end of 1917, Lenin has established rule over Russia, and the Nabokovs leave for Crimea while Vladimir's father stays in St. Petersburg to try to defend the country from Soviet rule.
- Because their parents are worried that their eldest sons would be drafted into the Soviet Army, they're sent to Crimea first, the others following soon after.
- Mostly Vladimir is annoyed that it's the wrong season to be collecting butterflies in Crimea, too late in the fall.
- Vladimir and Sergey lock themselves in the train compartment, fending off soldiers and other strangers.