“You will, you may be sure of that,” returned Lord Hastings. “If you’re not, you may take my word that I will have something done with you.”
“And now, sir,” said Jack, “will you not tell us something of the nature of the reason for this sudden trip to Russia?”
“You’ll learn soon enough,” was the reply. “I don’t suppose you would have any objections to paying your respects to the Czar?”
“Not the slightest, sir,” said Frank with a smile. “I remember once when Jack paid his respects in a manner he did not wish.”
“Yes; I remember that, too,” agreed his chum.
“I have no doubt that the Czar will be glad to see you again,” said Lord Hastings. “He will remember he probably owes his life to you, Jack.”
Jack flushed.
“I hope you will not remind him of it, sir,” he replied.
“I don’t believe that will be necessary,” declared Lord Hastings.
Nor was it, as events transpired; and it was in this audience of the Czar that the boys learned the reason for their trip to Russia.