"First to the chief of police; then to the Czar himself." Lord Hastings, who knew the Russian police chief well, had no difficulty in gaining admittance, and Frank with him. To the chief Frank told his story. The chief appeared somewhat incredulous. "I have not the slightest doubt of your integrity, Lord Hastings," he said, "but may you not be mistaken in your officers?" "I am not mistaken," said Lord Hastings stiffly. "Now, I want to know at once what action you will take to release my friend at once." "There is nothing I can do," said the chief. "The prisoner has been taken out of my hands by the military authorities. I am afraid you must appeal to the Czar, and I am not at all sure that such an appeal will result favorably to you." "Then I have no time to lose here," said Lord Hastings abruptly, and made for the door, Frank following him. At the door of the palace Lord Hastings demanded an audience of the Czar immediately. "It is impossible, my lord," said the attendant. "His majesty is engaged in the case of his attempted assassination and cannot be disturbed." "But I must see his majesty at once," said Lord Hastings hotly, "and it is of this very case I would consult him." "I am very sorry----" Lord Hastings suddenly produced his revolver. "I am a friend of his majesty's," he said, very quietly, "and you will either tell him this instant that I desire an audience in connection with this case, or I shall push my way in over your dead body! This is a matter of life and death and I am not to be trifled with!" CHAPTER XX. BOUND WESTWARD AGAIN. Again the attendant started to protest, but Lord Hastings, taking a step forward, pushed him violently backward with his right hand and walked on. In vain did the attendant walk after him, trying to halt him. Lord Hastings paid no heed to his words, and Frank followed close at his heels. Then, perceiving that words were of no value, the attendant suddenly produced a revolver. "My lord," he said quietly, "one more step and you are a dead man." Before Lord Hastings could reply Frank had sprung upon the attendant and wrested the revolver from his hand. The latter sent up a loud cry and footsteps immediately could be heard hurrying toward them. Half a dozen soldiers entered the room and surrounded the struggling knot of men. An officer gave a command: "Shoot them!" Rifles were brought to bear, and just as it seemed that the two were about to be shot down, another figure, attracted by the sounds of confusion, entered the room. "Hold!" he exclaimed to the officer, and the soldiers lowered their rifles. "What is the meaning of this confusion in my palace?" asked the Czar, for it was he, angrily. "Why this unseemly noise?" Suddenly his eyes fell upon Lord Hastings.