“I am not mistaken,” said Lord Hastings stiffly. “Now, I want to know at once what action you will take to release my friend at once.”
“There is nothing I can do,” said the chief. “The prisoner has been taken out of my hands by the military authorities. I am afraid you must appeal to the Czar, and I am not at all sure that such an appeal will result favorably to you.”
“Then I have no time to lose here,” said Lord Hastings abruptly, and made for the door, Frank following him.
At the door of the palace Lord Hastings demanded an audience of the Czar immediately.
“It is impossible, my lord,” said the attendant. “His majesty is engaged in the case of his attempted assassination and cannot be disturbed.”
“But I must see his majesty at once,” said Lord Hastings hotly, “and it is of this very case I would consult him.”
“I am very sorry——”
Lord Hastings suddenly produced his revolver.
“I am a friend of his majesty’s,” he said, very quietly, “and you will either tell him this instant that I desire an audience in connection with this case, or I shall push my way in over your dead body! This is a matter of life and death and I am not to be trifled with!”