“Lord Hastings!” he exclaimed in surprise. “What brings you here, and what is the meaning of this fighting? If my people have been discourteous to you they shall answer for it,” and the Czar gazed about him angrily.
The eyes of all fell before him.
Czar Nicholas advanced and took Lord Hastings by the hand.
“Of what service can I be to you?” he asked. “And will you kindly tell me the cause of this trouble? My own subjects seem to be tongue-tied.”
“The cause of the trouble, your majesty,” said Lord Hastings, “is that one of your attendants refused to tell your majesty that I desired an audience immediately, on a matter of life and death.”
“So!” exclaimed the Czar. “They shall answer for it. But I have been engaged already in some such matter. An attempt was made to assassinate me not an hour ago.”
“So I have been told,” said Lord Hastings, “and it is concerning that that I would speak.”
“And what do you know about it?” asked the Czar in surprise.
“Only, your Majesty, that you have the wrong man.”
The Czar took a step back.