The Czar extended a hand to each lad.
“Good luck to you both,” he said simply.
The lads bowed and then made their way from the palace, leaving Lord Hastings behind, for it had been agreed that he should not be seen with them. They had secured directions to the railroad station and once outside the palace they turned their footsteps in that direction and walked along slowly.
“This train doesn’t reach Moscow until morning,” said Frank, “so we shall be able to get all the rest we need en route. I am curious to know just how we are to fall in with the esteemed count.”
“So am I,” Jack agreed, “but I guess the Emperor of all the Russias has a few strings he can pull without any one being the wiser. The thing that troubles me is, will we be able to fool the count?”
“It’s our business to see that we do,” was Frank’s reply. “By the way, talking about the count, do you know that I think a whole lot of this gun the Czar gave me? I wouldn’t want to lose it.”
“Think you could hit anything with it?” queried Jack with a smile.
“Well, I guess I wouldn’t miss very far.”
“I agree with you. Having seen you shoot a time or two, I am willing to lay a small wager you will come pretty close to anything you aim at. They are pretty weapons, and that’s a fact.”
“I am in hopes I don’t have to use it,” said Frank seriously, “but I can tell by the feel of it that it is to be depended on. Yes, it’s a pretty handy pocket piece.”