“And is there any message from Captain Operman with reference to horses?” Ughtred asked.
“In this direction also,” the messenger replied, “your Majesty’s instructions have been carefully carried out. The country has been absolutely denuded of horses. It will be impossible for the Russians to obtain more than a dozen at the outside.”
“Captain Operman has carried out my instructions faithfully and well,” Ughtred replied.
The messenger bowed.
“I was further desired to report, your Majesty,” he added, “that word has just arrived that a series of explosions have occurred at different points along the line on the other side of the frontier. Captain Operman makes no report to your Majesty concerning these, but he desires me to say that their effect will be to retard all communication with Russia for several days at least.”
The King smiled.
“I am well served indeed,” he said. “What has become of the Cossacks?”
“They are quartered at the station buildings, your Majesty. There is no stock of provisions whatever in the vicinity, and in case they should attempt to march to Theos all the farms en route have been warned to remove their cattle and stores.”
“You will present my compliments and thanks to Captain Operman,” the King said, “and you will congratulate him on the success and spirit with which he has carried out my orders. Further, you will request him to report himself to me at headquarters at the earliest possible opportunity.”
The messenger bowed and withdrew. Ughtred rose and paced the room thoughtfully.