CHAPTER XII
THE POLISH CONSPIRACY
On the evening of the day that had witnessed the envoy's defeat amasked ball was held, and the halls and gardens of the Vistula Palacewere alive with gay revellers.
The centre of attraction was the spacious ball-room, where, beneathgolden chandeliers that shed a radiance brighter than that of the sun,moved a crowd of Czernova's noblest and fairest.
The picturesque character of the dresses, the glow of color, theperfume of flowers, the gayety of the music, and the rippling laughterof fair masqueraders, formed a scene bewildering and intoxicating tothe senses.
Amid this throng moved Paul Woodville in eager quest of the maskedBarbara, who had refrained from telling him what costume she wouldassume. If he were a true lover he ought to be able to penetrate herdisguise, she had playfully observed, and if he failed to discoverher, why then the want of discernment on his part should bring its ownpunishment.
As he moved here and there witching glances were cast at him by maskedladies, for as regards figure and dress, few were more qualified thanPaul to serve as a cavalier.
He had adopted the old Polish costume. With a four-cornered capadorned by a waving heron plume, silken "contuschi" that fell ingraceful folds around well-shaped limbs clad in tight silk hose, shortboots decorated with gold lace, and a curved, diamond-hilted sabreswinging lightly by his side, Paul walked among the men present, thenoblest figure of them all; and many whispering inquiries wereinterchanged as to his identity.
At length Paul caught sight of a graceful figure, robed in thesilver-gray habit of a nun, standing solitary by the entrance of acorridor leading from the ball-room.
He watched and saw her with a pretty shake of her head repel insilence the addresses of three cavaliers in succession.
As Paul drew near, the lady suddenly turned her head and flashed aglance at him through the eyelet-holes of her black silk vizard. Thatglance was sufficient, and in another moment he was by her side.
"Fair lady," he whispered, "why this sad costume?"
"Is it not the garb of innocence?" returned the lady in a low andobviously disguised voice.
"True, but it is also the negation of love."
"And why should I not frown upon love?"
"Because you would be gainsaying the vows you made to me in the oldGreek temple."
"Ah, Paul! you have discovered me," she whispered, her lips smilingbeneath the lace of her mask. "Now I, in turn, will ask, 'Why this oldPolish costume?'"
"I adopted what I thought would most please you."
"And it does please me," she replied with a tender light in her eyes."And it is suitable to the character of the revelation you shall hearto-night. Come, we will not dance just yet. Take me to the gardens, tothe Long Terrace."
Conscious of something odd in her manner, Paul, drawing her arm withinhis own, conducted Barbara from the brilliant ball-room to the quieterscene without, and on reaching a retired corner of the marble terrace,he seated her beside himself.
It was a lovely midsummer night. The air was pure and temperate, andalive with the plash and sparkle of numerous fountains. The silver orbof the moon, set in a dark-blue sky, and the colored lamps gleamingeverywhere among the foliage combined to produce a poetical glamorthat might have gladdened the eyes even of Titania herself, the Queenof Fairyland.
"Who could have thought," said Paul, after complimenting Barbara uponthe admirable manner in which she had out-manoeuvred the Russianenvoy, "who could have thought when we first met in that Dalmatianforest that a great empire would one day demand my extradition, andthat you would bravely refuse to grant it!"
"And I will not surrender you, Paul. No, not if it should cost me mythrone."
How sweet it was to hear such words from this fair princess! She whowas a match for the Czar's envoy to set such store by him! This maidenpressing tenderly to his side scarcely seemed to be the same personwho that morning had filled a throne with such dignity. Nor was she.Love had entirely transfigured her.
"Paul," she said quietly, "I have told the duke that I cannot marryhim."
"How did he take the tidings?"
"He said little, but his face expressed much--"
"Much--?"
"Hatred, then, if you will have the word. Excluded from the cabinet,and from the command of the army, he is not likely to sit down quietlyunder such dishonoring. And," she added with a sigh, "he is apolitical force to be reckoned with."
"Sweet princess, give me leave to resume the duel with him, and youshall soon be rid of one whom you seem to fear."
"No, Paul, no," she said, laying her hand affectionately upon his;"promise me that you will not fight with him again."
"Does the princess command?"
"No; your Barbara entreats," she said with a soft pressure of her arm.Who could resist such an appeal as this?
"I do not doubt your ability to overcome the duke, for Zabern has toldme of your feat in the _salle d'armes_; but you forget that duellingis illegal in Czernova. Would you have me send you to the Citadel?Moreover, if you should slay the duke it would become the aim of everyMuscovite fanatic to slay you. As it is, I fear you will carry yourlife in your hands, when men come to learn that you are the cause ofthe duke's rejection. Czernova is but semi-civilized, andassassination is the favorite political weapon here. I would, Paul,that you would do even as Zabern."
"And what is Zabern's habit?"
"He wears chain-mail beneath his clothing."
"An uncomfortable arrangement, I should say. For my own part I willrely on my right arm and on my good sword. Fear not for me. But,dearest Barbara, will you not unmask, and let me see your face, ifonly for a moment?"
She shook her head tantalizingly.
"I would if I dared, but who knows what eyes may be watching me atthis moment? There are Russian spies at this masquerade, so Zabernassures me. I must not be recognized in this guise. Ah! who comeshere?" Paul felt her arm trembling upon his, as there moved slowlyalong the moonlit terrace a tall and stately figure robed in amonastic habit. His cassock was identical in its shade of gray withthe nun's gown worn by Barbara, and like hers, it was marked on eachshoulder with a red cross.
Having reached the place where Barbara sat, the monk paused, surveyedher attentively for a moment, and then spoke,--
"May a brother claim a few words from a sister of the same order?"
"How know you that I am of the same order?"
"The 'Transfigured' cannot be hidden from each other."
"Paul," she whispered, "I must speak with this man alone for a shorttime. Remain here."
The princess arose, and in company with the newcomer paced slowly toand fro along the terrace, repeatedly passing Paul.
This proceeding on the part of Barbara was somewhat strange, but notaltogether incomprehensible. Paul had learned that the word"Transfigured" was used by the patriots of Czernova in the sense ofone who, from a state of despair as regards Poland, had passed to astate of hope. Its English equivalent was "conspirator." The termnaturally associated itself with the Convent of the Transfiguration,and hence Paul concluded that this masked individual was a monk sentfrom that very mysterious monastery with some important message.
The conversation, of which he did not overhear one word, occupiedabout fifteen minutes, and ended by the monk passing some papers tothe princess, who immediately concealed them upon her person, anaction performed so quickly that Paul almost doubted whether it hadreally taken place.
This transference of documents accomplished, the monk glided quietlyaway, and the princess returned to the side of Paul.
Ere he had time to question Barbara on the nature of the interview,Paul saw with surprise a second masked friar making his way along theterrace. He was robed so precisely like the other that Paul at firstthought it was the same individual; but a nearer view showed that hewas of shorter and more massive build. There could be no doubt thathe, too, was bent on having an interview with the princess.
Was this sort of
thing to last all night?
Barbara guessed his thoughts, and her teeth gleamed in a pretty smilebeneath the silken fringe of her vizard.
"Patience, Paul," she whispered. "This is the second and last. Therein the distance comes Marshal Zabern, and as I must have no secretsfrom you he shall act as my interpreter."
On the approach of the monk the same interchange of words took place,evidently a pre-arranged signal, and, as before, Barbara arose andjoined in conversation with the new-comer.
A moment afterwards another figure came upon the scene whom, in spiteof the mask and black domino, Paul recognized as Zabern.
The marshal sat down by Paul's side and fixed his eyes upon theprincess, who, a little distance away, was stooping over thebalustrade of the terrace, apparently engaged in the act of writing.
"What think you that the princess is now doing?" asked Zabern.
"One might fancy her to be setting down the name of a cavalier uponher dance-programme, but I suppose such is not the case?"
"Captain Woodville," returned the marshal impressively, "you arewitnessing an event destined to change the map of Europe in the nearfuture. The princess is signing a secret treaty with Louis Kossuth,the uncrowned King of Hungary."
Paul's surprise and wonderment can be better imagined than described.
"The princess has signified to me her wish that you should be admittedto the circle of 'The Transfigured;' and convinced as I am of yourloyalty to her, I offer no opposition, knowing that if you should notaltogether approve of our policy, you will at least keep our secret.It is our custom to exact an oath from initiates--"
"I will vow upon the Four Evangelists--"
"Upon your sword if you must swear at all, as our Polish chevaliers ofold when at church they recited the 'Credo.' Our initiatory oath canbe dispensed with in your case. Your promise is sufficient. The wordof a soldier should be sacred. You pledge yourself to secrecy?"
And when Paul had assented, the marshal continued,--
"Know, then, that Princess Natalie is at the head of a secretenterprise,--'conspiracy' would be the Czar's word,--an enterprise forthe liberation of Poland from the Russian yoke. The two monks areagents in this affair. The first is a Pole bringing documents from theheadquarters of the patriots at Warsaw. The second is a Hungarian fromBuda charged with the secret treaty from Kossuth. The masquerade ofto-night was held with a special view to their meeting the princess,no other way being so well suited to divert suspicion; for with spiesall around us it behoves us to act with caution. The traitor Bora, atthis moment in the ball-room, little knows what is happening only astone's-throw off."
"But what interest hath Hungary in this affair?"
"Hungary is herself preparing to revolt from the despotic rule of theHouse of Hapsburg. Next spring she will rise under Louis Kossuth,whose triumph is certain. Hungary will again take her place among thefree nations of Europe. We in Czernova sympathize with the Magyars,but as matters are at present we dare not openly aid them with ourarmy. Austria would cry to the Czar, and the Czar, availing himself ofthe opportunity, would lose no time in annexing Czernova. We are thusnecessitated to give our aid in secret. Money is the sinews of war; wetherefore lend the Hungarians money on the understanding that they inturn shall aid us when the day of Poland comes."
"And how much are you advancing?"
"One hundred and eighty million roubles; not paper money, mark you,but sterling gold in coinage and plate."
The vastness of the sum--thirty millions in English money--filled Paulwith amazement.
"How has Czernova contrived to raise such a large amount?"
"But small part of it comes from Czernova. It represents the free-willofferings of Polish patriots throughout the world for a long course ofyears. Noble ladies have given their jewellery, the peasant his kopek,ay, often his last kopek, to the good cause."
"And where is this treasure stored?"
"In the Convent of the Transfiguration. Yes," continued Zabern, "weaid Hungary, and Hungary will aid us when the great day of vengeanceshall come."
"And when will that be?"
"'Russia's danger is Poland's opportunity,'--that is the Czernovesemotto. We are waiting till Russia shall be engaged in war withEngland."
"Is such war likely to occur?"
"It is a certain event of the near future. In the School of NavalEngineers at Sebastopol," said Zabern, beginning a statement, whoserelevancy Paul failed at first to perceive, "is a completerepresentation of all the forts that line the Bosphorus with theirtowers and bastions, together with the most minute details respectingthe creeks and currents of that famous strait; so that the Russian WarMinister sitting at Sebastopol with these models before him coulddirect the whole plan of an attack upon Constantinople."
"Well?"
"Imperative orders have just been issued from St. Petersburgcommanding the naval captains to study these models; lectures uponthem are given daily to the naval cadets. Bearing in mind Alexander'ssaying to Napoleon, '_Il faut avoir les clefs de notre maison dans lapoche_,' what inference do you draw?"
"That Russia is preparing to seize the Sultan's dominions?"
"Precisely. Will England permit this?"
"Not while 'Old Pam' is living."
"'Old Pam'?" said Zabern, puzzled till Paul explained. "Ah! your grandLord Palmerston, the friend of oppressed nationalities! Well, then, weshall soon have an Anglo-Russian war. Your gallant armies and fleetswill be seen ere long off the shores of the Baltic and Euxine. Myfaith in the bravery of your countrymen enables me to prophesy thatthey will be victorious. And then will come the day of our triumph!"
The patriotic Zabern, whose days from boyhood had been spent instruggling for the freedom of his fatherland, was now fully convincedthat success was at hand.
"Yes," he continued, his eye kindling with enthusiasm; "yes, in thehour of Russia's humiliation, when her treasury is exhausted and herarmies demoralized by defeat, there will be an upheaval of Poland; nofeeble flash-in-the-pan this time, but a grand national uprising,north, south, east, and west. Little Czernova will be to the fore withher army of twenty thousand under Zabern; the Magyars of Hungary willpour across the border with Kossuth at their head; there will be acombination such as will compel Russia to part with the kingdom shewickedly stole fifty years ago. When I was born Poland was free; Ishall die seeing her free again. And the princess--"
"Yes, and the princess?" inquired Paul, as Zabern paused in hisutterance.
"Will be a princess no longer. The patriots have agreed that NatalieLilieska, as the sole surviving descendant of the ancient Jagellons,shall be the queen of resuscitated Poland. Queen? ay, and why notempress? Is she not worthy of an imperial crown?"
Paul's head fairly swam at these words. The sweet, fair, dark-hairedmaiden who loved him, and who clung to him with such touchingfidelity, a future queen--empress! He knew that Barbara would neverwaver in her attachment to him; to what dazzling heights, then, was hedestined to rise?
He glanced at the two gray moonlit figures in the distance--the monkand the nun--conspiring for the creation of a kingdom. Howromantically impossible seemed this scheme looked at beforehand! andyet how many of the noblest events in history have been previouslydeclared impossible by political prophets!
"As touching your secret treasure," remarked Paul, "is there not abill before the Diet,--a bill to seize all monastic wealth and toconvert it to state purposes?"
"At this very moment the Diet is putting its veto upon the measure.To-night was fixed for the second reading. Our Polish adherents areassembled in full force to reject it. After to-night we shall hear nomore of Lipski's bill. It would be an ill day for us if it shouldpass. Ostensibly directed against Czernovese monasteries in general,it is really aimed at the Convent of the Transfiguration. TheCzerno-Muscovites have a suspicion that the monks of thatestablishment do other things besides offering perpetual prayers forPoland, and the suspicion is well founded. If public commissionersenter that monastery they will discover not only our sto
re of gold,but likewise the documents relating to our patriotic conspiracy; andmore than these, plans and models of Russian fortresses, supplied byour adherents in the Czar's army, who are not a few. The conventcontains arms for one hundred thousand men, gunpowder sufficient toblow up all Czernova, and in addition new military engines. Some ofthe inmates of that convent devote their time to chemistry andmechanics; and in the coming struggle betwixt Poland and Russia weshall have the first use of inventions destined to revolutionize theold-fashioned methods of warfare. In the light of these inventions thenumbers of our enemy will count for little. Now you understand why theConvent of the Transfiguration must be kept from the eyes of pryingintruders."
"I likewise grasp the meaning of that passage in Orloff's cipherdespatch,--'The success of Lipski's bill is Russia's justification.'"
"I admit the truth of the statement. The secrets of that convent, ifbrought to the light of day, would prove that the resources ofCzernova are being utilized for the emancipation of Poland. And havewe not the right to attempt the recovery of the kingdom stolen fromour forefathers? Nevertheless, in the opinion of European statesmenfettered by conventional precedents, our aim would amply justify theCzar in annexing the principality. Therefore Lipski's bill must notpass."
At this juncture Barbara, having finished her interview, returned tothe side of Paul; Zabern, desirous of a word with the Hungarian envoy,went forward to intercept his departure.
"So Zabern has told you of our enterprise? What think you, Paul?"
"May the crown of Poland indeed be yours, Barbara. And yet--andyet--the higher you climb the greater the gulf between us."
"You shall rise with me, Paul," she said, placing her hand tenderlywithin his. "You, who gained fame in India, shall gain a greater famein the coming war, and then there will be no obstacle to our union.'Let the princess marry merit and not title,' men will say."
This gave a new aspect to their love-affair,--an aspect whichappealed to Paul's dashing and adventurous spirit; like the knights ofa bygone age he would fight both for the winning of fame and also forthe hand of a lovely princess. If the patriotic conspiracy should endin failure, alas! for Barbara's hopes, but so much the better for hisprospect of a final union with her. His good fortune, he trusted,would enable him to emerge safely from the political ruins ofCzernova, and with Barbara he would retire to his ancestral hall inKent, where they would spend the rest of their days in quiethappiness, and recall with melancholy pleasure the time when they hadplotted and fought for the crown of Poland.
Zabern, having parted from the Hungarian messenger, sat down on theother side of the princess, and for a long time the trio talked of theconspiracy. Among other matters, Paul learned that Katina was cognizantof the conspiracy, and that all the cabinet likewise were participants,with the exception of the two permanent members--Cardinal Ravenna andMosco the Greek Archpastor.
"I can understand your Highness's motive in keeping our enterpriseconcealed from a Muscovite prelate," remarked Zabern; "but with regardto Ravenna is not the case different? He would be extremely useful tous in drawing the Catholic clergy of Poland into the plot."
"Marshal," said Barbara firmly, "I know the cardinal, and I know thathe is not to be trusted."
Their attention was diverted at this point by the approach of twomasked figures, each habited, like Zabern, in a black domino.
"Radzivil and Dorislas returning from the Diet," observed the marshal.The premier and his colleague recognized the princess and Zabern bytheir costumes, but glanced inquiringly at Paul, uncertain as to hisidentity.
"Captain Woodville, my lords," replied Barbara, responsive to theirthoughts.
Paul drew aside, permitting Radzivil to take a place beside Barbara, acourtesy which the premier gracefully acknowledged.
Dorislas with folded arms leaned in silence against the marblebalustrade of the terrace. As far as can be judged of men who aremasked and cloaked, both the premier and the finance minister were ina very gloomy mood. Paul intuitively felt that they were the bearersof bad tidings.
"Has your Highness signed the treaty with Kossuth?" began Radzivil.
"An hour ago. The Hungarian envoy has departed with it."
"I fear, princess, that the treaty will have to be rescinded. We aredoomed to lose our treasure."
"Say not so, count. The Catholic Poles form the majority in the Diet;why should they desert both their princess and their religion?"
"This evening, as your Highness knows," explained the premier, "theretook place the second reading of the Secular Appropriation Bill.During the course of the debate Lipski presented to the House certainstatistics appraising the wealth contained in the various monasteriesof Czernova. These statistics were, of course, purely imaginary--"
"For," intervened Dorislas, "if he knew the whole truth concerning theConvent of the Transfiguration he would have put the amount at fourtimes his actual estimate."
"Just so," responded Radzivil, a melancholy smile appearing beneathhis mask. "Well, he attempted to prove by means of these statisticsthat the monastic wealth would enable Czernova to be tax-free for thenext three years. The House eagerly caught at the bait. All theMuscovite faction voted with Lipski as a matter of course; and many ofour side, charmed with the idea of a three years' remission oftaxation, likewise cast their suffrages in favor of the bill. Themembers of our party do not know the reason why the ministry are soanxious to throw the aegis of their protection over the convents, and,of course, we dare not take them into our confidence. The result is,and with extreme regret I announce it to your Highness, that thesecond reading of the Appropriation Bill has been carried by amajority of eleven."
"Ha!" muttered Zabern to himself. "Orloff's gold is doing its work."
"Was there a full house?" asked Barbara.
"Your Highness, every member of the Opposition was present; and on ourside there were but three absentees,--the marshal, the cardinal, andthe duke."
"The duke?" said Barbara. "I fear that his vote will be given againstus now, which will raise the majority to twelve. The marshal's voteand the cardinal's would reduce it to ten. When does the third readingtake place?"
"It has been fixed for this day week."
"Ten votes against us," murmured the princess. "The transference ofsix votes from the opposite side would place us in a majority of two.My lords, we must win over those six votes, if no more."
"I fail to see how it's to be done," commented Radzivil gloomily.
Silence fell upon the little group. Truly, with the Charter destroyed,and with Lipski's bill on the eve of triumphing, Barbara's throne wasin desperate jeopardy.
"Cannot your Highness refuse to sign the bill?" asked Paul.
"By the terms of the Charter," replied Barbara, "the ruler of Czernovais compelled to sign every bill passed by the Diet. In the event ofrefusal the Diet has the right of calling upon Russia, Austria, andPrussia, to enforce the signature."
"And Lipski and his Muscovite crew would not be slow in appealing tothem," remarked Dorislas. "And we know what the intervention of thethree Powers would mean."
"If I should dissolve the Diet, and order a fresh election--?" beganBarbara.
"We should have the same majority against us," replied Radzivil.
"Insert a clause in the bill," suggested Paul, "to the effect that theConvent of the Transfiguration shall be exempted from the operation ofthe bill."
"Useless," answered the premier, "since that convent is the oneparticularly aimed at."
"A clause giving her Highness sole power to appoint theCommissioners."
Dorislas grinned.
"I moved that amendment myself, but it was rejected."
"Play Cromwell's game: on the day of the voting station troopers atthe doors of the Diet-house to exclude obnoxious members; or the nightbefore carry some off and detain them till the voting is over."
"Unconstitutional," said Barbara. "To secure the rejection of the billby such methods would be to court the intervention of the threePowers."
"Secretly withdraw the documents and the treasure from the convent."
"With soldiers patrolling the precincts?" said Dorislas. "Lipski,subtle knave that he is, has artfully turned our own bayonets againstus. Every one passing out of the convent is carefully searched."
"Bribe the soldiers."
"Lipski is alive to that manoeuvre. Day and night his creatures arewatching that monastery."
"Let the monks, then, bury the arms and the treasure within their ownwalls."
"Lipski, who is certain to be appointed one of the Commissioners,will dig up every foot of ground and pull down every brick in hisendeavors to discover something of disadvantage to the ministry,"returned Dorislas.
Paul made no more suggestions; how, indeed, could he, when it passedthe wit of the premier himself to devise a plan adequate for defeatingthe manoeuvres of Lipski?
"If the bill should pass," continued Dorislas, "I see but one way outof our difficulty. The monks must contrive to steal out some darknight, leaving a slow match burning in the powder-magazine."
"And we must lose the fruit of years?" said the princess, mournfully.
"Why, your Highness, consider what would happen otherwise. Here, closeto the Russian frontier, and commanding the highroad to Warsaw, is anedifice, presumably a monastery, but in reality a fortress and anarsenal. True, Abbot Faustus can destroy the treasonable documents;yet, nevertheless, here will be found, because impossible to beannihilated or concealed, a vast store of gold, rifles for one hundredthousand men, and other war _materiel_. Vain would it be for theCzernovese ministry to put an innocent interpretation upon theirattempts to keep the interior workings of this convent from publicview. The Czar would be wanting in common sense if he should not seein all this a menace to his own dominions. His ministers, in fact,already have their suspicions, and hence they are more eager thanLipski himself for the passing of the Appropriation Bill."
"I note that the marshal has not yet spoken," smiled Barbara; "sureproof that he is developing some plan. Now, Zabern, your enemies callyou 'the Asp of Czernova'; you must maintain your character forserpentine wisdom by extricating us from our dilemma."
"Fear not, your Highness. Lipski shall not triumph. On the thirdreading I, without resorting to bribery, threats, or violence, willpersuade the Diet to reject his bill."
"How?" asked Radzivil, who, desirous as he was of seeing the measuredefeated, yet nevertheless felt aggrieved that Zabern should proposeto do what he himself, the premier, despaired of doing; "how? what isyour plan?"
"To reveal it beforehand would ensure its defeat. My plan is one whichrequires absolute concealment."
"Even from the princess?" said Barbara.
"From the princess most of all," replied Zabern with a peculiar smile.
This statement was naturally productive of great surprise on the partof Barbara.
"We will accept your saying, marshal, though a hard one, and put acheck upon our curiosity. You have never yet failed to keep word withme--"
"And shall not fail now, your Highness."
"Then," said Barbara, rising, as there came floating on the air fromthe ball-room the slow, dreamy music of a Hungarian waltz, "then ifZabern be on the watch, the princess may dance. Captain Woodville,your arm. You were promised a dance. Let me redeem my word. But first,marshal, guard these papers for me. It would be dangerous to let themfall upon the ball-room floor."
And Barbara, having handed to Zabern the documents which she hadreceived from the Polish envoy, moved off towards the ball-roomleaning upon the arm of Paul.
This bestowal of favor upon her secretary caused Radzivil and Dorislasto stare suspiciously at each other; but ere they could interchangethought on the matter, their attention was diverted by the sound ofmany voices coming from the direction contrary to that taken by theprincess.
Looking up, the three ministers beheld moving along the terracetowards them a company of masqueraders, ladies and gentlemen,fancifully costumed. All were laughing and talking gayly, beingevidently in the best of spirits.
"Whom have we here?" muttered Radzivil, eying the throng.
"He who would supplant the princess in the sovereignty," repliedZabern, recognizing the central figure, who was garbed as Peter theGreat. "A barbarian aping a barbarian."
"The Duke of Bora?"
"The same, surrounded by his favorites and satellites, all jubilantwith the thought that Lipski's bill will triumph, and that the fall ofthe princess is at hand. Let them laugh. Their gayety will turn tomortification after next week's vote shall have been taken. Let usuncover and tempt the traitor to address us. I am curious to learnwhat he will say."
As the duke and his friends drew near the trio unmasked. Bora,catching sight of them, stopped in his walk, and then came slowlyforward attended by his followers, all intent on enjoying thepresumable mortification of the ministers.
"A sad blow this, dear marshal, to the feelings of the princess,"began the duke blandly, and lighting a cigar as he spoke. "It's quitecertain that the Appropriation Bill will pass."
"Pass? Oh! dear no. Nothing of the sort," replied Zabern in his mostcheerful manner.
"We have just been informed that the second reading has been carriedby a majority of 'eleven.'"
"The third reading has yet to come."
"Now, Saint Nicholas give you wisdom!" cried Bora, amid the scarcelyrepressed laughter of his creatures. "Are you clinging to the hopethat the men who voted one thing to-night will vote the contrary sevendays hence?"
"I _know_ that they will," returned Zabern, coolly.
"There is certain to be a full House next week--one hundred and twentymembers, should Ravenna have returned from Rome in time to take partin the division. Out of that number I venture to prophesy that seventywill be found to reject the bill."
"Giving the ministry a majority of twenty?"
"Giving the ministry a majority of twenty," repeated Zabern.
Bora could only attribute this utterance to mere bravado.
"Marshal, I should like to know with what amount you will back youropinion," he sneered.
"With whatever sum your grace is prepared to back yours."
"I will stake five thousand roubles--" began the duke.
"Oh! your grace, make it more than that," said Zabern affably.
"I will double the amount. I will wager ten thousand roubles that thevotes given against the bill will fall short of seventy."
"Let me have that wager in your handwriting, dear duke," said Zabernblandly. "The like sum from me if ministers have not seventy votes ontheir side, or a clear majority of twenty."
When the written pledges had been interchanged Radzivil spoke,addressing the duke in somewhat indignant tones.
"And do you bet, then, on the success of a measure known to be hatefulto the princess?"
Bora shrugged his shoulders.
"This is a bill on which the best of friends may differ, as is shownby the schism among your own Polish adherents. Remember," he added,"there must be no underhand work to secure the passing of this bill,or my wager becomes null and void. There must be no bribery on thepart of the ministry."
"We leave bribery to Lipski and his principal, Orloff; or shall I putthe word in the plural, your grace, and say principals," said Zabernwith a meaning smile.
Bora gave a slight start, which did not escape the other's notice.
"You see, dear duke," drawled Zabern airily, "we know all that isgoing on behind the scenes. Governor Orloff in his palace at Warsawpulls the strings, and the puppets dance in the Diet of Slavowitz.Next week I shall manipulate the strings, and you shall see thefigures dancing to my tune."
The duke began to grow somewhat uneasy under the knowledge displayedby Zabern. In his previous contests with the wily Pole he had alwayscome off second-best. Was Zabern again to triumph over him?
"You talk boldly, marshal," he said with a supercilious smile, "but Ithink I shall win my roubles."
So saying he passed on with his company.
&n
bsp; "Humph!" muttered Radzivil, gloomily, "it's quite clear that, vexedwith the princess for excluding him from the cabinet, he will nowthrow in his lot with the Opposition."
"Therein appearing in his true colors," replied Zabern. "There hewalks, a would-be sovereign, attended by a would-be court. _Carpediem, Bora, carpe diem!_ Enjoy your brief span of existence! The 15thof September next will see your end."
"The 15th of September?" repeated Dorislas. "That is the day of theprincess's coronation."
"True; and if I rightly forecast the future, Dorislas, the duke willnot outlive that day."
The Shadow of the Czar Page 17