‘Wait,’ she commanded. ‘I will go. This must be some messenger from Alexis.’ ‘If so, I will send you word,’ said Jack; and went on after the servant. Loud voices were heard from below, and as they descended the stair Jack recognised Captain Kirchoff’s voice. Though he did not know enough Russian to understand all that was said, he was able to distinguish the words ‘Prisoner--Mentschikoff--peril--authority’---- He found the countess, tall and dignified, confronting Kirchoff, who held a paper in his hand. Behind Kirchoff were half-a-dozen Cossacks. ‘Monsieur Blair,’ said the countess, ‘this officer, a most rude person, states that he has orders to take you at once to Perekop.’ ‘I am ready to go this moment, countess,’ said Jack. ‘But I refuse to allow it,’ said the countess. ‘My son would never have consented to this step. I am told it is by Prince Mentschikoff’s orders; but he would not go directly against the wishes of Alexis, who sends me no word.’ ‘Take no notice of this man,’ said Irma to Jack; ‘I will order him to go at once.’ And she spoke angrily to him in Russian. Kirchoff gave an ugly scowl; then said a few words to his men, and they immediately advanced and seized Jack, who made no resistance. Irma, with a cry half of rage, half of fear, advanced to interfere between Jack and the soldiers; but Kirchoff, with a rude laugh, caught her by the wrists and held her despite her cries. Sergius, however, who had evidently been watching the scene, sprang forward, and with one strong, straight blow, felled Kirchoff to the ground. Other servants, all armed, appeared, and for a moment it seemed as if a fight must ensue. Jack’s captors, however, closed around him, and with Irma’s cries still ringing in his ears he was dragged away a prisoner, Kirchoff following behind, cursing loudly and volubly. CHAPTER XLIII. A DREARY MARCH. The Cossacks had a spare horse with them, and on this Jack was mounted. With a deal of unnecessary violence he was strapped in the saddle; then, Kirchoff giving the horse a cut, they started off. They reached Baktschi-Serai at midday, where a halt was made. The weather was very cold, and Kirchoff seemed in no hurry to leave his comfortable quarters; but in the afternoon they went on again and reached Simpheropol. This was a most filthy place. The streets were knee-deep in mud and slush, and the few people they passed stared apathetically at the Cossacks, who laid about them freely with their whips.