"Had I been figuring this thing out, I couldn't have done better myself," said Frank modestly. "We seem to have planned just right, sir. There is only one thing I am sorry for." "And that?" "That I shall have to remain behind while the Czar goes to the palace." "And why?" "Because, if the count saw me back with the Czar he would suspect." "That's true," replied Lord Hastings. "But, sir," said Frank, "if you will speak a word to his Majesty, perhaps he will grant me permission to accompany the troops that follow." The answer for this question came from an unexpected source. The Czar had opened his eyes in time to hear the lad's words, and replied: "You shall have the permission." Then he turned to Lord Hastings and added with a smile. "Look from the window! You will see that we have arrived in the den of the lion. Behold the city of Moscow, where my dear friend Count Blowinski awaits my arrival with aching jaws." CHAPTER XVI. THE TRAP IS SPRUNG. Troops, troops, troops. Hundreds, even thousands of men marching through the streets of Moscow drew the eyes of the populace. From the railroad station they emerged in squadrons and regiments; and the roads of all lay in the same direction--toward the palace. Czar Nicholas and his retinue had arrived two hours earlier and were even now in the palace. It still lacked an hour of the time when the Czar was to make his address from the palace steps to Count Blowinski's own men, but these were gathered about the palace in dense masses. The first regiment of troops to leave the railroad station and move toward the palace attracted little attention, nor did the second; but as the men continued to stream along word of their coming finally reached the ear of Count Blowinski. That worthy, at the moment in consultation with some of his fellow-conspirators, among whom was Jack, became greatly excited when the first word reached him. "Can it be possible that the Czar has an inkling of our plans?" he asked. Jack took it upon himself to reply. "It is hardly likely, count. I should judge that the presence of troops here at this time has no peculiar significance. Rather, their presence is probably part of a prearranged plan to have them go to the front. Perhaps the Czar intends to go with them." "It may be as you say," was the reply, "but my messenger informs me that they are surrounding the palace, hemming my own men in, as though purposely." "It does look a bit odd," Jack agreed. "But if you are afraid to go through with your plans now, count, why not postpone the coup?" "It must be done now or never," replied the count decisively. "A delay would prove fatal. If it comes to the worst, I shall abandon my plan of seizing the Emperor and shoot him."