“In other words, you refuse to obey my commands? Colonel Karkov!” she called.
Her eyes were burning magnificently now; her hands trembled a little.
Colonel Karkov, the Marshal of the Palace, stepped forward.
“Arrest that man,” said the Queen, pointing to Tsargradev.
Colonel Karkov looked doubtful, hesitant.
“Do you also mean to disobey me?” the Queen cried, with a glance... oh, a glance!
Colonel Karkov turned pale, but he hesitated no longer. He bowed to Tsargradev. “I must ask you to constitute yourself my prisoner,” he said.
Tsargradev made a motion as if to speak; but the Queen raised her hand, and he was silent.
“Take him away at once,” she said. “Lock him up. He is to be absolutely prevented from holding any communication with any one outside the Palace.”
And, somehow, Colonel Karkov managed to lead Tsargradev from the presence-chamber.