Page:The Yellow Book - 07.djvu/77

 "Take him away at once," she said. "Lock him up. He is to be absolutely prevented from holding any communication with any one outside the Palace."

And, somehow, Colonel Karkov managed to lead Tsargradev from the presence-chamber.

And that ended the first act of our comical, precarious little melodrama.

After Tsargradev's departure there was a sudden buzz of conversation among the courtiers. The Queen sank back, in evident exhaustion, upon the red velvet cushions of the throne. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, holding one of her hands pressed hard against her heart.

By-and-bye she looked up. She was very pale.

"Now let General Michaïlov and Prince Vasiliev be introduced," she said.

And when they stood before her, "General Michaïlov," she began, "I desire you to place the town of Vescova under martial law. You will station troops about the Palace, about the Chamber of the Soviete, about the Mint and Government offices, and in all open squares and other places where crowds would be likely to collect. I have just dismissed M. Tsargradev from office, and there may be some disturbance. You will rigorously suppress every sign of disorder. I shall hold you responsible for the peace of the town and the protection of my person."

General Michaïlov, a short, stout, purple-faced old soldier, blinked and coughed, and was presumably on the point of offering something in the nature of an objection.

"You have heard my wishes," said the Queen. "I shall be glad if you will see to their immediate execution."

The General still seemed to have something on his mind.

The