"You have a cynical way of putting things, marshal."
"These arms are designed for the denizens of Russograd. As they are much too poor to purchase their own rifles, there is to be a free distribution—probably on the night of the 14th of September."
"The eve of my coronation," said Barbara, startled by this announcement.
"The same. My spies report that there are whispers among the Muscovites of an armed rising to take place on the coronation day. In fact, they propose to hold a rival coronation in the Greek basilica. You can guess, princess, who is to play the central figure in this unauthorized ceremony."
"A ceremony that shall never take place," said Barbara, with a flash of her eyes.
"True. We'll foil them. With your sanction, princess, I'll make no movement at present in this matter. The longer we delay Lipski's arrest the more the plot will develop, the wider will be the sweep of our net when the cast is made, and the more fishes shall we enclose. Meantime, rest assured that my spy will keep a careful eye upon that secret store of arms."
"Be it so, marshal. We leave the matter to your wisdom."
"And your Highness pardons that little affair of the shooting?"
The princess with a smile extended her hand for Zabern to kiss.
"Without your constant vigilance, marshal, the princess were nothing."