“So!” he exclaimed, “the young Englishman whom I sentenced to Siberia, eh?”
“The same,” said Jack briefly.
“I have come,” continued the general, “to tell you that I have discovered my grievous error, to release you and to ask your pardon.”
Jack was on his feet instantly.
“Say no more about it, sir,” he exclaimed. “You were greatly worried and overwrought at the time, sir. Any man will make a mistake, sir.”
The general looked at the lad keenly and then extended his hand. Jack grasped it. Then the general turned to Boris.
“And your fellow prisoner?” he asked.
“Boris,” said Jack. “He has aided me greatly in making my escape.”
“Then, for that reason, if for no other,” said General Burgoff, “I shall not question the reason of his imprisonment. He is free.”
The general motioned the soldiers who guarded the two to stand aside.