“Why?”
“Because we were cruelly treated, your excellency,” said Jack, stepping forward and taking a hand in the conversation.
“Surely you don’t expect ladylike treatment here in Siberia?” suggested the officer with a grin.
“Hardly, sir,” returned Jack. “But this is no treatment for a British officer, and when his Majesty learns of it, you may make sure that the Czar will take some drastic action, sir.”
“Oho! so you know the Czar, eh?”
The Russian smiled sneeringly.
“Yes, I know the Czar,” returned Jack quietly; “and if you are wise, you will be careful of your actions.”
The lad’s statement seemed, for some reason, to impress the officer. He dropped his tone of banter and said:
“Well, we shall see about your case. I shall conduct you back to General Surgoff myself. First, however, I have other business. I am sent to meet General Burgoff, who is coming to Siberia on some mysterious mission. We will move toward the railroad. In the meantime, you are both my prisoners.”
The officer signaled them to leave the hut, which they did. Outside they found a large body of men in sleighs, in one of which there was room for two more men. The officer motioned Jack and Boris in, and after instructing his men to see that they were carefully guarded, the party drove off.