his hand
lightly on Corsini's shoulder.

"Ah, my young friend and protege, I see you have done well. If you had
failed, you would not be in the private cabinet of the Emperor
to-day."

The autocrat interposed. "My dear Baron, your young friend has been of
the most inestimable service to us. You were always a great judge of
men."

The next to speak was Golitzine. "My dear Salmoros, I know full well
that it is your zeal for the Emperor and the great Empire over which
he rules that has led you to take this long and tedious journey. You
have something of importance to communicate."

Salmoros spoke in his slow, grave accents. He looked at the Emperor as
he spoke, but he was really addressing Golitzine. He knew that in that
remarkable man, apart from mere figureheads, lay the destinies of the
great Russian Empire.

He was not oblivious to the fact that the two Generals were persons to
be reckoned with; as a matter of fact, he was counting on their
practical assistance; but Golitzine, the man of brains, the man of
initiative, the true statesman, was his sheet-anchor.

Alexander was, of course, the mere titular head of the state, served
by his subordinates, more or less well.

If Golitzine went, and some inferior person took on his office, then
Alexander would be very badly served. He was not a monarch who could
reign by himself.

The Baron bent his deep, penetrating gaze upon the assembly of notable
persons--the Emperor, the two Generals, the Secretary, the modest and
rather shrinking young Italian, somewhat embarrassed by his recent
projection into matters of high statecraft.

Certain things at once struck his observant eyes. All except the
Emperor were dressed in immaculate costume. The autocrat himself was
attired in a loose dressing-gown. He had had no time to array himself
in conventional garments.

As a matter of fact, Golitzine's letter had reached him shortly before
dawn, requesting his presence at the private counsel which was now
taking place. Alexander, no doubt relying on the efforts of his
faithful servants, had indulged in a little extra slumber, confident
that he would be well looked after.

Salmoros reflected, with a certain contempt, upon the obvious
inferences which were to be drawn from these very apparent facts.

He looked at Golitzine, that astute Secretary, who kept his master in
order, spurred him when he was too sluggish, restrained him when he
was too impetuous.

Cynical thoughts sha