What are some ways Penelope Fitzgerald shows Frank knows how to deal with Russians?

In Chapter 2, Penelope Fitzgerald demonstrates how capable Frank is in dealing with Russians. He initially selects a sledge just coming on duty, as the drivers operating through the night were likely to be intoxicated. He promptly realizes that the sledge driver he hailed is taking a circuitous route and he corrects him. He gains the station restaurant waitress's total cooperation by stating that he knows it was not her responsibility to maintain track of everyone in the establishment. She immediately responds to please him and advises him the children are at the home of the stationmaster.