"Herr von Louden here tells me that, half an hour after the time appointed for the Czar to address my troops, a fleet of half a hundred German airplanes, together with a score of Zeppelins, will appear over the city. At the same moment, a German fleet, which has pushed through the Baltic to the Gulf of Finland, will force an entrance and bombard Petrograd. Further south, the allied Teutonic armies will begin a gigantic offensive at almost the same moment. The Russian troops will be forced back upon all sides. The people will cry for peace, and I, having assumed my new role under the protection of his Majesty Wilhelm II of Germany, shall give them peace. They will thank me, and you, gentlemen, for bringing peace to our troubled country. That is all, except that Herr von Louden is present to-night to vouch for the truth of my words and to reassure you that the Emperor of Germany will keep his royal word." The German then spoke a few words, after which Count Blowinski said: "Now, if there are no remarks, I shall declare this meeting adjourned." There were no remarks. Apparently no man present had anything to say. "But before you go, to begin your respective tasks," said the count, "I shall ask each man present to pass before me and remove his hat, that I may make sure there is no traitor nor spy among us to-night. I should know the face of every man present and I should know whether he is entitled to be here. You will please walk before me on your way out." "Great Scott!" muttered Jack to himself. "I'm in for it now. I am sure to be recognized and the count will hardly accept any explanation I may make. Worse, if discovered, I shall be unable to give the warning and the plot will succeed." The lad's lips set grimly. "There is always a fighting chance," he told himself quietly, remembering the remark Lord Hastings had so recently made to Frank. "Well, they'll know I have been here before I go down." He thrust his hands into his pockets and grasped a revolver securely with each. Then he followed the line of men who were passing before Count Blowinski. The single light in the room was right above the count's head and it fell squarely upon each man's head as he passed before the count. Behind Jack came other men. CHAPTER XIII. THE FIGHT IN THE PASSAGE. A form pressed Jack closely from behind. "Careful!" said a low voice that the lad recognized with a start. Jack half wheeled and muttered: "Frank! What----" "Sh-h-h," was Frank's response, for it was really he, and added quickly: "When the light goes out, duck and make for the door. I'll be behind you." Jack said nothing, but awaited developments as he moved still nearer Count Blowinski. He held himself tense, ready for anything that might transpire. Frank held his right hand carelessly in his pocket as he moved slowly forward behind Jack. The long line of men were passing through the door, but there were still many more behind.