“And,” the Czar continued, “unless he is back here within twenty-four hours, you shall be relieved of your command, General.”
The Czar spoke very softly, but the general could see that he was in deadly earnest, and his face grew pale.
“I fear it is impossible, sire,” he said at last. “I have instructed the officer in command of the prisoners, to let no one approach them for any reason whatsoever. Even a telegram would not catch them now, sire.”
“Then, General, you are in a difficult situation,” said the Czar quietly. “And yet I will give you another chance. I shall relieve you of your command temporarily and you shall go after this young Englishman yourself. Bring him back to me safely. Here,” and the Czar turned and scribbled a few words on a piece of paper, after which he affixed his seal, “this order, for the moment, appoints you commander-in-chief of all the forces in Siberia. Bring this young Englishman back to me safely, or suffer the consequences.”
The general took the paper the Czar extended to him.
“It shall be done, sire,” he said quietly.
“And,” the Czar continued, “you will make careful inquiry. If the young Englishman has been ill treated, you will seek out the man who is the cause of this ill treatment, arrest him and bring him to me, be he who he may. Yes, even if it be General Surgoff himself!”
Again the general bowed.
“Your Majesty,” said Frank at this juncture.
The Czar eyed him in surprise and Lord Hastings disapprovingly. But Frank was not abashed.