They were admitted to the hospital immediately and the nurse told them they could see Frank if he were not sleeping. She was gone a few moments and returned with the information that he was awake and anxious to see them. The two made their way to Frank's side quickly. Frank smiled feebly as Lord Hastings sat down on the side of the bed and took his hand. "How do you feel?" demanded the commander gravely. Frank smiled a trifle at the apparent anxiety of his commander. His head was swathed in bandages and he looked almost ludicrous. "Well, I don't feel like going for a joy ride," he replied with an attempt at levity, "but I could feel a whole lot worse." "Head pain you much?" asked Lord Hastings. "No, sir; not much. I know I've got a hole there, but it doesn't feel like a very big one. Pretty sharp table in the count's house, sir." "It must have been, to lay you out like that," agreed Lord Hastings. "If it hadn't been for that, I would have been in at the finish," said Frank. "By the way, have you discovered any trace of the count?" "Not yet; but by this time the Czar has given orders to scour the city and it is only a question of time until the count is apprehended." "I hope they get him, sir; and still, I would like to be there when they do." "You won't be," declared Lord Hastings grimly. "From present indications you will be here for the next three or four days. After this I am going to keep a closer eye on you. You two are too valuable officers for the king to lose; and that's just what will happen unless I tie a string to you." "Oh, I guess you won't do that, sir," smiled Frank. "You wouldn't like to be tied down, sir. Neither do we." "Well, perhaps I won't do quite that bad," said Lord Hastings; "but I am free to tell you that right now that is just exactly what I feel like doing." The conversation was continued for some moments longer; in fact, until the nurse approached and told Lord Hastings and Jack that they had talked long enough and that she would have her patient kept awake no longer. Frank protested at first, but Lord Hastings silenced him. "If you don't keep quiet," he said, "we won't be permitted to see you to-morrow." "I'll be quiet then and go to sleep," Frank decided. Lord Hastings and Jack took their leave and made their way to the quarters in the palace placed at their disposal by command of the Czar himself. Ten minutes after their arrival there they were abed and fast asleep. It seemed that they had hardly closed their eyes when they were awakened by a loud rapping at the door. Both were on their feet instantly, and Lord Hastings called out: "Well?" "His Majesty's compliments, sir, and he would like to have you come to him at once--both of you," came a voice from without. "Tell His Majesty that we shall obey his summons instantly," Lord Hastings made reply. There came the sound of footsteps retreating down the hall. "Wonder what the Czar wants, sir?" asked Jack excitedly, as he dressed.