Polonaski had marked Zabern's triumphant smile at the appearance of Paul, and that smile made him somewhat uneasy, implying as it did a firm belief in Paul's ability to overcome the duke.
"Was not Captain Woodville banished from Czernova?" he asked; "because if so he has no right to be on Czernovese ground."
"Captain Woodville retired from Czernova of his own free will," replied Zabern. "The cabinet signed no decree of banishment against him."
Barbara was still wavering in mind.
"Stick to your throne," growled Zabern.
"To hold it as a vassal of the Czar!" she murmured faintly.
"Fear not. We'll find a way of defeating his claim of suzerainty. What! will you desert the faithful Poles who have so long stood by you? Will your Highness resign your throne to the duke, a traitor and assassin, when you have the opportunity of giving him his final quietus? Who slew Trevisa? Who burnt the Charter? Who has brought the Russian army within our borders? Who but the duke? And now will you let him triumph? Give the word for the duel. Princess, I know, I know," he added emphatically, "that Captain Woodville will come off victorious."
At this point the Czar spoke.
"The princess so-called must either appoint a champion or prepare to abdicate."
Despair seized the Poles at the thought of being ruled by Bora,—Bora, who in his cups had been heard to declare that when he should come to power, he would harness the Polish nobles to the yoke, and compel them to plough his fields.