"Easily. This is part of the Czar's plan. Now, if I am not greatly mistaken, it won't be long before our friend, the count, shows up to see whether we are really spies; and if he is convinced we are, he'll want to hold a conversation with us." "By Jove! I believe you're right," declared Jack. "In that event we must make the count believe we are spies of the first water. I hope we don't have long to wait." They didn't. Half an hour later they heard footsteps coming down the corridor. Their jailer approached, followed by a huge stature of a man with a long flowing black beard. "Open the cell door," commanded the big man. "Bet four cents that's the count," Frank whispered very gently. CHAPTER XI. THE COUNT EXPLAINS HIS PLANS. The lad was right. "Open that cell door," commanded the big man again. The other made no reply, but a key grated in the lock. The big man entered the cell, then turned upon the man who had unlocked the door. "Leave us!" he commanded sternly. "Have no fear," he added hastily, as he saw the man was about to protest. "I have my revolver here," and he tapped his belt. "I can handle these two." The man made no further objection, but departed. The count whirled upon the two lads. "So!" he exclaimed. "I have captured two German spies, eh?" "Your Excellency," said Jack quietly, "I assure you we are not German spies." "O-ho!" laughed the big Russian. "They deny it. O-ho!" Frank also deemed it best to keep up the pretense. "I assure you, your Excellency," he said, "that you are mistaken in us. We are French gentlemen." Frank purposely threw a slight German accent into his voice and the big Russian noticed it immediately. "French! and with an accent like that?" he demanded. "Come! where are the papers you carry?" "Papers?" echoed Jack, in well simulated surprise. "Yes, papers. I said papers and I mean papers," declared the count. "Where are they?" "Do you think we are fools, that we carry papers with us?" demanded Jack somewhat angrily, it seemed to Count Blowinski. This answer rather pleased the count, for it gave him the idea that he had two shrewd young men before him. He lowered his voice suddenly. "Come," he said. "It is all right. I am Count Blowinski. It is for me the papers you carry are intended." Jack glanced quickly about him and the move was not lost upon the count. Still the lad seemed undecided and protested his innocence in vigorous terms, in which Frank joined. Count Blowinski laughed softly. "I like you two," he declared. "You are cautious, which is a trait to be admired in these troublous times. But I assure you I am the man for whom the papers are intended. Give them to me. I shall see that you are released and I shall have use for you myself." "If we could but be sure," said Jack, "then we could deliver our message." "It is verbal, you mean?" demanded the count. "How else?" queried Frank. "Good, then tell me."