“Because, if the count saw me back with the Czar he would suspect.”
“That’s true,” replied Lord Hastings.
“But, sir,” said Frank, “if you will speak a word to his Majesty, perhaps he will grant me permission to accompany the troops that follow.”
The answer for this question came from an unexpected source. The Czar had opened his eyes in time to hear the lad’s words, and replied:
“You shall have the permission.”
Then he turned to Lord Hastings and added with a smile. “Look from the window! You will see that we have arrived in the den of the lion. Behold the city of Moscow, where my dear friend Count Blowinski awaits my arrival with aching jaws.”
CHAPTER XVI.
THE TRAP IS SPRUNG.
Troops, troops, troops. Hundreds, even thousands of men marching through the streets of Moscow drew the eyes of the populace. From the railroad station they emerged in squadrons and regiments; and the roads of all lay in the same direction—toward the palace.
Czar Nicholas and his retinue had arrived two hours earlier and were even now in the palace. It still lacked an hour of the time when the Czar was to make his address from the palace steps to Count Blowinski’s own men, but these were gathered about the palace in dense masses.
The first regiment of troops to leave the railroad station and move toward the palace attracted little attention, nor did the second; but as the men continued to stream along word of their coming finally reached the ear of Count Blowinski.