"'Did you sue for them like a man?' demanded Peter, sternly.
"'I hope so, your majesty.'
"'You lie, base traitor!' thundered the Czar, eyeing him with a glance that chilled his blood.
"'Has she betrayed me?' ejaculated Praxin, turning deadly pale, and involuntarily clutching the handle of his sword.
"'No,' answered Peter in hoarse tones, 'witness, come forth.'
"At that moment, the upper covering of the great pie was observed to move, and in another instant, it was thrown back, discovering the mighty Orloff, seated within the dish.
"'God save the Czar!' said the dwarf, rising and stepping forth upon the table, with a bow of studied politeness.
"'Orloff, point out the traitor,' said Peter.
"Orloff assumed an air of great penetration, and pointed toward the Admiral, who stood alone, with his back against the wall, a perfect picture of despairing guilt.
"'That is the man,' said the dwarf.