‘Come hither at the dawn of day,’ said the Prince.
Gerald again bowed, and was about to leave the room, when Mentzikoff calling after him said, ‘Bid my servants find thee a lodging and a meal,’ and added, ‘come hither at the dawn, I’ll take thee to the Czar myself.’ Here he turned aside to re-fill the horn cup and quaff off another draught of spirits.
CHAPTER VII.
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE CZAR.
Gerald was true to his appointment, and he found the Prince prepared to receive him. But few words were exchanged; Mentzikoff beckoned him to follow, and they proceeded together to the Czar’s hut. It is an odd fancy for an Emperor to live in such a place when he might live in a grand palace, thought our hero; however, he wisely kept his thoughts to himself.
Peter had been put out of temper the night before, by meeting with some trifling opposition to his wishes and plans; and the minister, though a very great favourite with his sovereign, was not quite sure that even he could get a hearing at that time. He had taken a fancy to Gerald, however, and he was determined to do all he could to serve him. Bidding him, therefore, wait without till he called or sent to him, Mentzikoff entered the Czar’s hut alone.
Peter was up as usual and busy with his plans for the new city. The Prince did not, therefore, at once state the object of his early visit, but quietly listened to all his sovereign had to say. After a while, however, he ventured to lay the business before him.
The Emperor’s brow darkened and became more and more contracted as the Prince proceeded. ‘What were the boors made for but to serve their country in that way?’ he fiercely asked.
‘True, Sire;’ returned the Prince, ‘but this poor man is it appears unable to serve his country by manual labour any longer, and as the youth is so desirous of taking his place the exchange will be for your Majesty’s benefit.
‘Bring him hither,’ was the Czar’s abrupt rejoinder.
Gerald was the next minute ushered into the presence of the Emperor.