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 turn, for I had not thought he would dare to push matters to extremes. "I will tell you one thing My arrest will be the signal for that despatch to be forwarded. If I do not go to Tirnova, that will not go to London."

"I care nothing for your Government," he exclaimed, all self-control gone in his anger. "They dare do nothing, even if they would."

At that moment an officer entered in response to the bell.

"Arrest the Count Benderoff," cried the General, pointing at me a finger that trembled with rage. "Give up your sword, sir. You are a traitor, unworthy to bear it."

"I shall do nothing of the kind," I said desperately. "The man who lays a hand on me may look to himself."

"Call in your men, Captain. If he resists, shoot him," said the stern old man grimly, and in the moments of waiting we looked at each other in silent defiance. Then came the tramp of men and the clash of arms in the room without, and a file of soldiers marched in.

"I must ask you for your sword, Count Benderoff," said the officer, quietly and courteously. "You will see resistance is useless."

For a moment I still resisted and refused.

"I beg you to save trouble," he said again.

"I will not," I cried furiously. "If I am to be murdered, it shall be done here, in the presence of my murderer;" and I set my back to the wall and whipped out my sword.

"Shoot him down!" shouted the infuriated old man to the soldiers, who levelled their guns dead at me. "Now, will you give up your sword?"