“What is that?” demanded the Czar.
“I mean, sire,” said Frank, flushing slightly, “that my chum here and I would be only too glad to undertake such a mission. I am sure that we come up to requirements.”
“Impossible!” declared Lord Hastings.
But the Czar had been eyeing the two lads keenly.
“Not at all,” he said in reply to Lord Hastings’ remark. “Not at all, my lord. If I can satisfy myself that these young fellows could do the work, I would ask you for their services.”
“Well, I am forced to say they could do the work possibly better than any others,” Lord Hastings grudgingly admitted. “In fact, I know it. But I would hate to lose them.”
“But you are not going to lose them,” declared the Czar. “If they are as smart as I think they are, they will come through with this thing famously.”
“Indeed we will, sire,” declared Jack.
“Good,” laughed the Czar. He turned again to Lord Hastings. “My lord,” he said, “I crave your permission for the use of these two officers of yours upon the mission you have suggested.”
“I am loath to part with them, your Majesty,” Lord Hastings replied.