“The names of some,” thought Frank to himself, “would startle the whole world.”
“And now,” said the count, “perhaps you can throw a little light upon a subject we have been trying to solve. First, of course, you know something of what we are planning to do?”
“A trifle,” said Jack.
“I shall explain. Our plan is to gather together, in Moscow first, such a number of men who are dissatisfied with Russian rule, as to raise a hand for the Kaiser. I may say without boasting that at this moment I have the pledges of at least a hundred Russian noblemen to use their influence and what power they have to join when the time is ripe. There is dissension among the troops, particularly those who have been held here and in Petrograd—St. Petersburg once more when German arms have been victorious. Among high officers in the army we have found recruits, as well as in the ranks. When the time comes we shall strike, and when it does come I have enough men at my command to capture Moscow and hold it.
“Now, perhaps you have heard that the Czar will visit Moscow next week?”
Frank nodded, and then he took a long chance.
“It was for that reason, so I am told,” he said, “that we were sent here at this time. I can now give you what verbal instructions I carry. I am commanded to tell you that the time to strike is on the last day of the Czar’s visit to Moscow, after which, it is understood at home, he is going to the front.”
“Good! Good!” cried Count Blowinski. “It is as I told you, gentlemen,” and he gazed at the others in the room. “Did I not tell you the time for action had come? I said it when I first learned that two German spies——” here he smiled—“had been captured. So the time is almost here! Good!”
There were nods and low murmurs of approval from different parts of the room. Count Blowinski swept the others with his eyes.
“The time has come for you to prove yourselves,” he said sternly. “Let each of you go your way now and report to me at this hour the day after tomorrow. And remember, I am still the Czar’s right hand. Should a single man betray me, I shall still have the power to send him to Siberia. Be warned.”