The aide saluted and left the room hurriedly.
The Czar turned to Frank.
“And can you lead my men to the rendezvous where this plot was hatched?” he asked.
“Yes, your majesty,” replied Frank.
“Good. Then, perhaps as they are unaware that their rendezvous has been discovered, they may be captured.”
Frank bowed.
Perhaps five minutes later the Czar’s chief aide returned, followed by Jack, still looking very weak and shaky as the result of his experiences of a few hours. Motioning to the others in the room to remain silent, the Czar advanced and addressed Jack.
“So,” he exclaimed in a harsh voice, “you are the man who tried to kill me, eh?”
“No, your majesty,” replied Jack, “I——”
The Czar silenced him with a gesture.