"It is none the less true that he is a traitor," replied Lord Hastings. Realizing that Lord Hastings was in deadly earnest, the Czar became more calm. "You must be mistaken, my lord," he said quietly. "Would that I were, your Majesty. But I am not. I have the proof here in my pocket," and he tapped his breast. "Then let me have it!" exclaimed the Czar. "Let me have it, man! I must know the truth of this matter at once." Quietly and without another word Lord Hastings unbuttoned his coat and from his inside pocket took a small packet, which he placed in the outstretched hand of the Czar. Then he sat back and eyed the Czar keenly. The Czar broke the tape that bound the package with nervous fingers, shook out the papers as nervously and cast his eyes upon the words they contained. For long minutes he pored over the several documents, his brow becoming blacker and blacker; and at last he raised his head and said: "You are right, my lord. Nothing further than these papers are needed to convince me of Count Blowinski's treachery." Lord Hastings bowed quietly, and the Czar, again glancing at the papers, became lost in his thoughts. "So," he muttered to himself, "you are a traitor, eh? You, whom I have treated like a brother and whom I have showered with honors. You would betray me to the Germans. Well, you should know how we deal with traitors." He turned to Lord Hastings. "I have to thank you, my lord," he said. "I shall deal with this traitor at once." "Sire!" exclaimed Lord Hastings, "if I may be permitted to say a word." "Speak," said the Czar briefly. "Then, sire, I would suggest that you do not act hastily in this matter." "And why?" demanded the Russian ruler. "Because, sire, the Count Blowinski undoubtedly has a strong following. He will not be deposed so easily as you imagine. If you execute him summarily, there is no telling what may result--revolution, anarchy--no man can tell. Let the man convict himself in the eyes of the people--or in his own eyes and put an end to himself." For the space of several moments the Czar was silent, considering. When he raised his eyes again, Lord Hastings knew that his better judgment would prevail. "You are right, my lord," said the Czar quietly. "Count Blowinski has indeed a large following, though it is my own fault that he has. I have enabled him to obtain it. Why, even now he is in Moscow attending to details of a campaign I have planned that, should it be successful, would be one of the greatest steps toward ending the war that has been taken." "And I have no doubt that he is attending to it--in his own way," said Lord Hastings grimly. "No doubt whatever," agreed the Czar with a faint smile. "But now what's to be done?" "The thing to do," said Lord Hastings, "is to catch him in an act of treason; then expose him." "Easily said," returned the Czar. "But how?"