our Court."

"Thou hast it in thy power to judge me by my works," was the monk's grave
reply, crossing himself piously and repeating a benediction beneath his
breath. "Gregory is but the servant of the Almighty God, sent unto thee
to guide and direct thee and thy nation against those who seek to destroy
and dismember the Empire. Cannot I have the names of those of the Church
who are seeking my downfall? Surely it is but just to myself if thou
wouldst furnish them to me? Personally, I entertain no hope."

"No hope!" cried the Tsar, starting. "What do you mean, Father? Explain."

"No hope of victory for Russia, surrounded as she is on all sides by
those who are conspiring to do thee evil. Against thee the Church is ever
plotting. As Starets--I know!"

"And the Procurator?"

"He is thy friend."

"And the Bishop Teofan? Surely he is not a traitor?"

"No. For years I have known him. Trust Teofan, but make an end of the
ecclesiastical camarilla which is against thee."

"How can I? I do not know them?" was the Emperor's reply.

"I tell thee plainly that if matters are allowed to proceed, the Church,
suborned by German gold as it is, will contrive to defeat our arms. Hence
it behoves thee to act--and act immediately!"

The Tsar, his hands in the pockets of his jacket, stood silent.

"Because by divine grace I possess the power of healing, thy Church is
jealous of me," Rasputin went on. "The Holy Synod is seeking my
overthrow! Always have I acted for the benefit of mankind. But the
Russian Church seeks to drive me forth. Therefore, I must bow to the
inevitable--and I will depart!"

"Ah, no, Gregory! We cannot spare you, our dear Father," declared the
Emperor. "This ecclesiastical interference we will tolerate no longer.
You must help me. I give carte blanche to you to dismiss those of the
Church who are disloyal and your enemies and mine, and replace them by
those who are our friends, and in whom I can place my trust."

"In the sweeping clean of the Church thou wilt find many surprises,"
replied the monk, elated at the success of his clever reasoning.

"No doubt. I know that the Empress and myself are surrounded by enemies.
Plots are everywhere. Is not Protopopoff continuous in his declaration
that the Church is against me? I know it--alas! too well. And I leave its
reformation entirely to you, dear Father."

Reformation! Within twelve hours Rasputin, who dictated to me over fifty
letters, and had, in the name o