That worthy, at the moment in consultation with some of his fellow-conspirators, among whom was Jack, became greatly excited when the first word reached him.
“Can it be possible that the Czar has an inkling of our plans?” he asked.
Jack took it upon himself to reply.
“It is hardly likely, count. I should judge that the presence of troops here at this time has no peculiar significance. Rather, their presence is probably part of a prearranged plan to have them go to the front. Perhaps the Czar intends to go with them.”
“It may be as you say,” was the reply, “but my messenger informs me that they are surrounding the palace, hemming my own men in, as though purposely.”
“It does look a bit odd,” Jack agreed. “But if you are afraid to go through with your plans now, count, why not postpone the coup?”
“It must be done now or never,” replied the count decisively. “A delay would prove fatal. If it comes to the worst, I shall abandon my plan of seizing the Emperor and shoot him.”
Jack gave a start. This was more than he had bargained for; and he realized that if the count really determined to put this latter plan into execution, there was no time to give the warning. The lad also realized that, in the event the count did try to assassinate the Czar, he, himself, was the only person who could hope to prevent it.
Jack determined, therefore, to stick close to Blowinski; and as he accompanied the count and his staff to the palace grounds to meet the Czar, he felt more certain at every step that the count’s last plan was the one to be feared.
In the large open space in front of the palace stood Blowinski’s own men; but even from where he stood, Jack could see the still more dense bodies of the Czar’s troops hemming in those of the count. The lad could discern their attitude of hushed expectancy and he felt certain that their officers had their commands.