es from his path? Such a letter as this I have here given seems
utterly incredible in this twentieth century, yet those who knew
underground Russia immediately before the downfall of the Romanoffs will
express no surprise.

At once we went to Tsarskoe-Selo with all haste, and Rasputin had a long
conference in private with the Empress and Anna, the outcome of which was
that Alexandra Feodorovna dispatched an urgent message in cipher to the
Tsar, who was still absent at South-West Headquarters.

We remained at the palace all that day. At six o'clock Anna Vyrubova
entered the room, where I sat writing some letters, and inquired for the
monk.

"He was here a quarter of an hour ago," I replied.

"Then find him at once and give him this. It is most urgent," said the
high-priestess of the cult of the "sister-disciples," handing me a sealed
envelope.

Ten minutes later I found Rasputin walking alone on the terrace,
impatient and thoughtful, and opened the envelope. Within was a message
in Their Majesties' private cipher, which had been deciphered by the
Empress's own hand, and which read:

"Tell our dear Father [Rasputin] that to postpone the Duma would,
I fear, create an unfavourable impression, and I judge
impossible. Protopopoff has asked my authority to arrest
Miliukoff upon some technical charge, but I do not consider such
a course good policy. I agree that to-day's situation is grave,
and agree also that at the last moment some means should be taken
to prevent him from speaking.
"NIKKI."

The monk at once flew to the Empress's side, where Stuermer was being
received in audience. Again the situation was eagerly discussed. That
night, when we returned to Petrograd, although it was nearly midnight,
Protopopoff was summoned by telephone, and when the pair met I learnt
what had been arranged at the Palace.

The Empress's wishes were to be carried out. The patriot Miliukoff was to
be "removed."

CHAPTER XIV

MILIUKOFF'S EXPOSURE

MATTERS were now growing daily more desperate in Russia. Suspense,
unrest, and suspicion were rife everywhere, while the deluded people were
kept quiet by promises of a great offensive in the near future.

The Minister Protopopoff, wearing his gorgeous uniform, his breast
covered with decorations--the man whom Great Britain regarded as so
extremely friendly--had just paid a visit to