“Summon my physician immediately! Hurry! What is the matter with you? Can’t you see this lad is in need of immediate assistance? My physician! Quickly!”
Instantly all became confusion. Men rushed out the door, treading upon each other’s feet and jostling one another furiously in their effort to obey the Czar’s command.
Lord Hastings and the Czar sprang to Jack’s side at the same moment, but it was the Russian ruler who raised the lad’s head to his knee and placed a hand over the heart.
The effort was rewarded by a slight beating.
“He lives!” cried the Czar. “Some water quickly!”
Lord Hastings sprang to obey this command and soon the Czar himself was bathing Jack’s face and talking to him, as would a father to a son who was ill.
And at last Jack opened his eyes.
The Czar breathed a sigh of great relief.
“Thank God!” he exclaimed fervently.
Lord Hastings also now stooped over Jack.