“In that case, general,” said the Czar, with the suspicion of a twinkle in his eye, “and as you have been somewhat lax in your own duties, I shall allow the lad to accompany you. You will see that he is well treated.”
General Burgoff bowed low.
“It shall be done, sire,” he said.
“Very well. Now, general, you will take with you from Petrograd enough men to assure you that your orders will be obeyed, come what may. Do I make myself clear?”
“Perfectly, your Majesty. I shall take sufficient men.”
“And one thing more, general,” said the Czar firmly. “Let me impress upon you the utter necessity of being in the right hereafter, before you take too much upon yourself. Men have been shot for less.”
The general accepted this rebuke with a bow and a flush of the face.
“I shall obey, sire,” he replied.
“Good. Now, make what haste you may. That is all.”
The general saluted stiffly, motioned to Frank to follow him, turned on his heel and stalked from the Czar’s presence.