A few minutes later Dick recovered consciousness. Dazed and bewildered he looked at the tall man bending over him, and put out his hand to push the brandy flask away.
“De Smirnoff!” he gasped. “How in h—l did you get here?”
“Gently, gently, my friend; drink this cognac,” and, as Dick complied with his request, he added, “I am a member of the Russian Secret Police. It is my special duty to guard the person of his Imperial Highness, the Grand Duke Sergius.”
CHAPTER XIX
THE CONFERENCE
“How my head aches,” groaned Dick, “and every part of my body.” He touched himself tenderly as he changed his position on the lounge.
“It is not surprising,” said Long, dryly, “after the experience you went through last night, or rather early this morning. How I wish I had been with you, instead of sitting up and chatting small talk with a stuffy dowager. Just my beastly luck!”
“You are a nice one to begrudge me such an adventure, after all the fighting you have seen,” retorted Dick. “I wish you had been with me, though. Just thinking of that fearful needle hovering over me sends my heart into my mouth.” He shuddered. “I never was so glad to see anyone in my life as de Smirnoff.”
“It was a close shave. Have you had a chance to ask the Russian how he came to be there?”
“No. I was in pretty bad shape, so de Smirnoff sent me back to town with one of his assistants. We came directly here. It was good of you to square me with my chief, Chester,” looking gratefully at Long. “How did you do it?”
“After hearing your story I went to see Colonel Byrd and told him you had stumbled into an affair of state over in Anacostia which couldn’t be divulged at present. The old boy was very decent, took my word for it, and said you were not to return to work until fit to be up and doing. Then I returned here, and Mrs. Brisbane gave me a capital midday dinner. She told me you did full justice to the share she sent up to you.”