“Oh, no,” said Frank. “I mean our arrest and imprisonment.”
“Of course I see through it,” said Jack. “We’ve been spotted and the count has had us caught. Must be a leak in the Czar’s palace some place.”
Frank laughed.
“I should say things are working out first rate,” he said calmly.
“Oh, you would. Maybe you can explain it to me then.”
“Easily. This is part of the Czar’s plan. Now, if I am not greatly mistaken, it won’t be long before our friend, the count, shows up to see whether we are really spies; and if he is convinced we are, he’ll want to hold a conversation with us.”
“By Jove! I believe you’re right,” declared Jack. “In that event we must make the count believe we are spies of the first water. I hope we don’t have long to wait.”
They didn’t.
Half an hour later they heard footsteps coming down the corridor. Their jailer approached, followed by a huge stature of a man with a long flowing black beard.
“Open the cell door,” commanded the big man.