Jack gave a start. This was more than he had bargained for; and he realized that if the count really determined to put this latter plan into execution, there was no time to give the warning. The lad also realized that, in the event the count did try to assassinate the Czar, he, himself, was the only person who could hope to prevent it. Jack determined, therefore, to stick close to Blowinski; and as he accompanied the count and his staff to the palace grounds to meet the Czar, he felt more certain at every step that the count's last plan was the one to be feared. In the large open space in front of the palace stood Blowinski's own men; but even from where he stood, Jack could see the still more dense bodies of the Czar's troops hemming in those of the count. The lad could discern their attitude of hushed expectancy and he felt certain that their officers had their commands. "It's shoot or nothing," the lad told himself, and he followed the count closely. Now Count Blowinski approached the Czar and the latter extended a hand. "Welcome, your Majesty," cried the count, and falling to his knee he took the hand and pressed his lips to it. "I am glad to see you, Count," replied Czar Nicholas. "A fine body of men you have here." "Thank you, sire! They are indeed a likely body of men and they would have you say a few words to them." The count now presented the others of his retinue to the Czar, and followed his majesty to the top of the palace steps, as one befitting his rank and station. There, he turned and surveyed the crowd below--a host of uniformed figures. He spoke a few words to them himself, and announced that the Czar would address them. Then the count fell back a trifle, as the Czar advanced. Jack watched the big Russian closely, noting that Blowinski's hand rested upon his belt, where was exposed the butt of a revolver. Jack's hand rested in his coat pocket and his fingers gripped his own weapon firmly. "I wish Frank were here," he muttered. "I am not certain of my own aim." Now the Czar began to speak and a hush fell over the vast assemblage. "Soldiers!" said the Czar. "It gives me happiness to address you; and it would give me ever more happiness, were it not for one thing." Here the Czar paused and his gaze went to the troops farther back, his own men, whom he knew could be trusted. Jack saw the officers there exhorting their men to some sort of action as the Czar continued: "Yes, it would give me greater happiness did I not know that there are traitors among you--men who would betray me to the enemy. I----" What else the Czar might have said was lost in two sharp revolver reports. For a moment thereafter there was a deathly silence; followed by a tremendous uproar and the sharp crack, crack of rifles.