"You will, you may be sure of that," returned Lord Hastings. "If you're not, you may take my word that I will have something done with you." "And now, sir," said Jack, "will you not tell us something of the nature of the reason for this sudden trip to Russia?" "You'll learn soon enough," was the reply. "I don't suppose you would have any objections to paying your respects to the Czar?" "Not the slightest, sir," said Frank with a smile. "I remember once when Jack paid his respects in a manner he did not wish." "Yes; I remember that, too," agreed his chum. "I have no doubt that the Czar will be glad to see you again," said Lord Hastings. "He will remember he probably owes his life to you, Jack." Jack flushed. "I hope you will not remind him of it, sir," he replied. "I don't believe that will be necessary," declared Lord Hastings. Nor was it, as events transpired; and it was in this audience of the Czar that the boys learned the reason for their trip to Russia. The Czar received Lord Hastings and his officers the moment their names were presented. When the three entered his presence, he arose quickly and came forward with extended hand. "Why, my lord," he exclaimed, "I had hardly expected to see you again so soon." He turned to the two lads. "And these," he added, "are your two young officers who were with you before. Ah, I remember. It is to them I owe my life." He extended a hand to each and both lads flushed. Jack, the subject of a monarch himself, dropped to one knee; but Frank, who recognized no monarch, bowed low, and remained on his feet. The Czar signalled Jack to rise and then turned to Lord Hastings. "Am I to consider this just a friendly call, or have you anything to impart to me?" he asked. "Both, your Majesty," replied Lord Hastings gravely. "I may as well come to the point of my mission at once." "Do," said the Czar briefly. "Very well. What I have to say is this: In your service--and in high standing and authority--is a man who is a traitor--a man who has sold out to our common foe, the Germans." "So?" said the Czar, apparently no whit surprised. "His name, if you please." "His name," said Lord Hastings with a faint smile, "will surprise you. I fear you will find it hard to believe; and had I not the proof of the man's duplicity, I should not have the courage to mention the man." Evidently Lord Hastings' words made an impression upon the Czar. He stirred uneasily. "Come, come," he said. "The man's name. Out with it, my Lord." "His name," said Lord Hastings very gravely, "is Count Stephan Blowinski!" "What!" roared the Czar, leaping from his seat. "Count Blowinski! The chief of the Russian secret police! Impossible, Lord Hastings. I would stake my life and throne upon his integrity, my lord." "Then you would lose both, sire," said Lord Hastings gravely. "But it cannot be!" protested the Czar of all the Russias. "Count Blowinski has been, almost, my right hand. He has served me well."