“Never mind, general,” said the Czar. “I shall have my way in this; and if there is no other place for you aboard this train, well, then I guess you will have to remain here.”
“I shall find another place, sire,” returned the general, with ruffled dignity.
He stalked majestically away and entered another compartment.
The Czar climbed back in his compartment and motioned Lord Hastings and Frank to follow him.
“Now,” he said, when he was comfortably seated and the train had resumed its interrupted journey, “now you shall tell me all about yourself, what you have been doing and what you have learned.”
Frank plunged into the account of their adventures. When he told of Jack’s appearance in the den of the conspirators, the Czar was moved to ask:
“And how did you find your way there?”
“Why, your Majesty,” returned the lad, “I overheard a conversation in one of the hotels where I chanced to stop; and as it was too late to return and acquaint Jack with what I had learned, I took it upon myself to follow the men.”
“I see,” smiled the Czar. “Then you were undoubtedly surprised to see your friend there.”
The conversation languished now; and soon the Czar fell asleep. Frank took this opportunity of having a few words with Lord Hastings.