“This man in whom for years I have placed such implicit confidence has played me false!” cried the ruler presently, his face pale as he struck the table fiercely in his anger. “He has plotted with the Terrorists against me! He has been responsible for several attempts from which I have narrowly escaped with my life. Therefore he shall answer to me—this cunning knave who is actually my brother’s assassin! He shall pay the penalty of his crimes!”
“All Russia knows that at Your Majesty’s hands we always receive justice,” the Revolutionist said. “From the Ministry, however, we never do. They are our oppressors—our murderers.”
“And you Revolutionists wish to kill me because of the misdeeds of my Ministers!” cried the Emperor in reproach.
“If Your Majesty dismisses and punishes those who are responsible, then there will be no more Terrorism in Russia. I am a leader; I have bred and reared the serpent of the Revolution, and I myself can strangle it—and I promise Your Majesty that as soon as General Markoff is removed from office—I will do so.”
Chapter Thirty Four.
The Emperor’s Command.
Again the Emperor turned to his table and scribbled a few lines in Russian, which he handed to the man.
It was an impressive moment. What he had written was the dismissal in disgrace of his favourite, the most powerful official in the Empire.