“And we are not to know the contents, sire?”
“It is not necessary,” was the reply. “You will shape your course according to events as they transpire. First, you must get into the good graces of the count.”
“We’ll try, sire,” said Jack.
The two lads stepped into the next room, where, as the Czar had said, two suits of clothing were laid out. The garments caused the lads no little wonder that they could have been procured so readily. Of coarse weave, they were, nevertheless, of unmistakable German pattern, when examined closely. There was no hint of Russian manufacture about them.
Dressed and ready, they returned to where the Czar and Lord Hastings awaited them.
“All ready, sire,” said Jack.
The Czar nodded. Walking to a little cabinet at the far end of the room, he returned with two wicked looking automatics. He extended one to each lad.
“A present from my kingly cousin, Kaiser Wilhelm,” he said. “May they stand you in good stead. Now, you are sure that you understand the situation perfectly?”
The lads nodded.
“Good, then. Now, I will not tell you how I shall arrange for you to be picked up by Count Blowinski. You will know in due season. All you have to do is to board the night express for Moscow. It is now dark and the train will not leave for another hour. You have plenty of time, and money for your tickets you will find in your pockets. When events have shaped themselves so that you know there will be no chance of a slip, you will let me know in some manner. Trust no agents. I leave the way to you.”