Again the attendant started to protest, but Lord Hastings, taking a step forward, pushed him violently backward with his right hand and walked on. In vain did the attendant walk after him, trying to halt him. Lord Hastings paid no heed to his words, and Frank followed close at his heels.
Then, perceiving that words were of no value, the attendant suddenly produced a revolver.
“My lord,” he said quietly, “one more step and you are a dead man.”
Before Lord Hastings could reply Frank had sprung upon the attendant and wrested the revolver from his hand. The latter sent up a loud cry and footsteps immediately could be heard hurrying toward them.
Half a dozen soldiers entered the room and surrounded the struggling knot of men. An officer gave a command:
“Shoot them!”
Rifles were brought to bear, and just as it seemed that the two were about to be shot down, another figure, attracted by the sounds of confusion, entered the room.
“Hold!” he exclaimed to the officer, and the soldiers lowered their rifles.
“What is the meaning of this confusion in my palace?” asked the Czar, for it was he, angrily. “Why this unseemly noise?”
Suddenly his eyes fell upon Lord Hastings.