"To prevent the monks from removing their treasures." "That's the object. The Diet passed the resolution. Radzivil, as servant of the House, was obliged to submit, with the result that to-day there is not a monastery in Czernova that has not bayonets moving round it." "Including the Convent of the Transfiguration?" asked Zabern. "Including the Convent of the Transfiguration," answered Dorislas. Zabern muttered some oaths under his breath. Presently, however, he broke into a grim smile. "Lipski is a shrewder fellow than I gave him credit for. A clever stroke this on his part--to prevent us from entering that monastery by turning our own bayonets against us." "Marshal," said Dorislas, looking very grave, "if Lipski's measure should pass--" "If?" repeated Zabern disdainfully. "We will extinguish it on the second reading." "Which has been fixed for this day month. Lipski boasts that there are surprises in store for ministers, that there will be numerous defections on our side." "'Boasts'--that is a good word, Dorislas." "If that bill should become law, commissioners appointed by the Diet will make a round of the monasteries for the purpose of appropriating their wealth; when they come to the Convent of the Transfiguration they will discover--" "What we do not wish them to discover. But as the bill has not the remotest chance of passing, we may preserve a serene mind on the matter." Dorislas said no more. Though he was of an optimistic nature, it was clear from his grave manner that he did not share in Zabern's hopeful views. The quartette had now reached the _salle d'armes_. Over the portico hung the banner of the Lilieskis, which Paul reverently saluted, for was he not honoring Barbara by the act? "That flag," said Zabern, "shall one day float over a wider area than Czernova." Passing beneath the portico, they entered a fine and spacious hall, decorated in a style that harmonized with its use. Along the walls were suits of armor, and pictures of duels, tournaments, and battles. The oaken panels were hung with swords, muskets, and pistols, so arranged as to form devices, the favorite one being the arms of Poland. "Whenever a man is mentioned to me for promotion," remarked Zabern, "I always bring him here for a bout. Ten minutes' fencing will give me a better idea of his character than a month's investigation." Paul, in view of his recent appointment, wondered whether this remark was intended for application to himself. Among the Czernovese nobles and military officers assembled in this hall was Count Radzivil, occupied in a fencing-bout. In Paul's eyes the sight of the gray-headed premier of seventy parrying and lunging with all the ardor of a boy of seventeen was significant of much. It seemed like a preparation for more serious work in the near future.