Immediately the Siberian commander summoned two men, who it appeared were his official “lashers.” They came forward with their long whips, and cruel smiles on their features. General Surgoff indicated Jack with a gesture of his right arm.
“Strip him and give him thirty hard lashes!” he ordered.
The men sprang forward and laid hands on the lad, who submitted without a murmur. General Surgoff eyed him with an evil smile.
“So!” he exclaimed. “I have you back, eh? Well, before I am through with you, you will wish you had died in the snow. Hurry, men!”
The two men now stepped back and raised their whips. But before the first blow could be struck, General Burgoff sprang forward.
“Stop!” he commanded in a harsh voice.
Somewhat bewildered the men dropped their whips.
General Surgoff turned upon General Burgoff angrily.
“What do you mean, sir?” he demanded.
“I mean that things like this shall come to an end,” declared the other. “There will be no more of this brutality in Siberia, when it is in my power to stop it.”