“And so,” Frank concluded, “had it not been for my friend, who your majesty is pleased to believe would have killed him, the real assassin would have accomplished his work.”
“You tell exactly the same story as the prisoner,” said the Czar thoughtfully. “There must be truth in it.”
“I can vouch for both of them, your majesty,” interposed Lord Hastings. “Why, time after time they have been instrumental in dealing smashing blows to the enemy. Do you believe, then, that one of them would attempt to murder the ruler of one of England’s allies?”
The Czar struck the table violently with his clenched fist.
“No!” he shouted. “I don’t believe it. The lad is innocent, and he shall be freed immediately, no matter what my counselors may have to say.”
He called for his chief aide, and to that worthy gave the command:
“Have the prisoner brought before me at once.”
“But, your majesty——” began the aide.
The Czar turned on him angrily.
“There are no buts!” he exclaimed. “Have him brought here immediately—immediately, do you understand?”