"And if the princess adheres to the spirit and the letter of the law," continued Zabern with imperturbable coolness; "and, as you know, she is an enthusiast for law, she will have to sign the warrant for the execution of her intended consort."
"Good God!" gasped the premier.
"Works out beautifully, doesn't it? I intended it should."
"Oh, this shall not be! The princess must intervene to stop this duel. I will return at once and inform her."
"Hold!" said Zabern, sternly. "Let the duke abide by his folly and lose his bride. If Polish ascendancy is to be maintained in Czernova the duke must go. Fool!" he continued with a savage flash of his eyes, and forcibly detaining the premier by the sleeve. "How long, think you, shall we retain office if Bora once sits upon the throne of the Lilieskis?"
They had now reached the grand entrance of the palace. A trooper moved forward to meet them and stood at the salute, apparently wishful to deliver a message.
"What is it, Nikita?"
"Sire, the spy Russakoff has escaped from the Citadel."
"Damnation! the guards shall swing for this."