The sleigh moved off through the arched gateway, two officers riding beside it, and the rest of the troop following at a distance. To Governor Kavelin, and to all whom they passed, the cavalcade seemed merely an escort of honour. But beneath the prince’s calm surface he was revolving frantic measures. He thought of telling the captain at his side that the condemned ones were his children, and begging his aid; but he knew the captain had his orders and would dare not disobey. He thought of rising in his sleigh and crying out to the people, but he knew this would not avail to save his children. This would do nothing but spectacularly publish his own disgrace. So he rode on with closed lips, a cold, proud figure. The three officers accompanied him into his office, where Drexel sat waiting. As they entered, Drexel sprang up. “Yes, yes?” he cried. The prince, surrounded by his guards, could only gaze at Drexel in his commanded silence. “For God’s sake, what does this mean?” Drexel demanded in dismay. Thus abjured, the prince opened his mouth. “I am----” “Stop, prince!” the captain broke in. “Remember, you cannot speak.” “He cannot speak?” cried Drexel. “Such is the order.” “But I must know! I must know!” “He can say nothing,” said the captain in a tone of finality. Drexel stared at the prince in helpless despair. The prince turned to the captain. “I may not speak to him, I know. But I may to you. This gentleman has sought my interest in a certain matter. It will be no breach of your orders for you to inform him that I am under arrest.” “Under arrest!” exclaimed Drexel. “And that I can do nothing whatever in the affair,” the prince concluded. “Nothing!” breathed Drexel. “I think the gentleman understands,” said the captain. “I am sure he will excuse me when I say that it is necessary for him to withdraw.” Drexel stumbled out of the palace. He leaned upon the river’s parapet and gazed wildly across the night at the dim outlines of the Fortress. The last card played--and trumped! * * * * * Drexel thought he knew the worst. Doubtless he did, but he did not know all. At the time that Drexel stood gazing across at Sonya’s prison, word was brought to Prince Berloff that his plan for the arrest of General Valenko had had successful issue. The fear of the last hour, since he had been told that the general had gone to the Fortress, gave place to exultant satisfaction. Yes, it was fortunate that he had foreseen the danger that the general might learn the identity of the two prisoners, and had had the general’s every movement shadowed, prepared instantly to checkmate him. And it was fortunate, too, that he had had by him blank orders with the Czar’s signature attached, entrusted to him by Nicholas for use in extreme emergency.