"The imperial mansion was very different in those days from what it now is. No gaudy trappings, neither external nor internal, proclaimed the abode of royalty; for Peter the Great appealed to hearts, not the eyes of his subjects, and for the inspection of foreigners he had an army, unrivaled in discipline and accoutrements, by any in Europe. A small ante-chamber, plainly furnished, and adorned with various models of ships, paintings, and rude implements of warfare led into the hall of audience, equally unostentatious, and the imperial dining saloon, plain as that of an ordinary tradesman. "Into the latter apartment, Nicholas and Olinska were led by their captors, pale and silent, but undismayed. "A long table, bearing on its centre an immense pie, was loaded with a rich repast; and about it, were seated the most distinguished nobles and generals of the empire, and Admiral Praxin; while at its head, on elevated seats, appeared the Czar and Czarina. "'Ha! here are the two fugitives!' exclaimed Peter, observing the entrance of the party and approaching them. "Nicholas started at the sound of that voice, and looking up, recognized in his sovereign, _The Little Man in Green_. "'Your pardon, sire!' he exclaimed falling upon his knees, and remembering with the great trepidation how scurvily he had treated royalty in disguise. "'Arise, Colonel Dimitri,' said the Czar kindly; 'you need not think of what has past; I am satisfied that you are a true and loyal subject. But what possessed you to run away with this little rebel, man? Did you not know that she was affianced to Admiral Praxin?' "'Pardon me sire, I did not,' answered Nicholas. "'And you Olinska; you have disregarded our wishes, and thrown the gallant admiral overboard?' continued Peter, addressing the trembling girl, with a mixture of severity and good-nature. "Olinska bowed her head. "'What say you Praxin? Are you willing to yield your bride to the army, and let the navy remain a bachelor?' "The Admiral had turned all colors, at the first entrance of Olinska, but marking that she remained silent, he plucked up sufficient courage to reply. "'I cannot accept the lady's hand without her heart.' "'Did you sue for them like a man?' demanded Peter, sternly. "'I hope so, your majesty.' "'You lie, base traitor!' thundered the Czar, eyeing him with a glance that chilled his blood. "'Has _she_ betrayed me?' ejaculated Praxin, turning deadly pale, and involuntarily clutching the handle of his sword. "'No,' answered Peter in hoarse tones, 'witness, come forth.' "At that moment, the upper covering of the great pie was observed to move, and in another instant, it was thrown back, discovering the mighty Orloff, seated within the dish. "'God save the Czar!' said the dwarf, rising and stepping forth upon the table, with a bow of studied politeness. "'Orloff, point out the traitor,' said Peter.