“Enough!” he said sternly. “Your lies will gain you nothing. I shall prescribe the same punishment for you as for the other traitors.”
“But if you would only investigate my claim, sir,” protested Jack.
“A waste of time,” replied the general. “The Czar must not be troubled with such matters.”
“You are likely to be troubled when the Czar hears of this,” returned Jack quietly.
“What!” exclaimed General Burgoff. “You dare to threaten me?”
“I am making no threats, sir.”
“Come, enough of this talking,” said the general. “As I have said, your punishment shall be the same as that of the other traitors.”
“Death?” asked Jack quietly.
“Worse,” was the general’s response.
Jack was surprised. What could be worse than death, he asked himself.