o be assassinated by one
of the eight chief conspirators."

Corsini had now come to a part of his narrative which he had not yet
disclosed before the arrival of Salmoros.

"His name?" demanded the Emperor, with flashing eyes.

"I grieve very much that I cannot give that information. It was not
settled last night at the meeting. I understood they would draw lots
for it to-day."

The Emperor subsided. For the moment he could not vent his vengeance
on any particular person.

Corsini proceeded. "At the _bal-masque_, your Majesty is to wear a
pale-blue domino."

"Quite true," answered the autocrat. "That is the costume I have
chosen."

"These men are acquainted with every detail of the reception, and they
have a hundred spies and adherents."

"I see," said the Emperor. "It is well known we are giving a big
reception to-night, to which even this traitor Zouroff himself is
invited. Truly, the conspirators have chosen a very convenient
occasion."

After these words the Czar of all the Russias leant his head upon his
hand, apparently engrossed in deep thought.

Golitzine looked at Salmoros, the Baron flashed back an answering
glance. The same thought had occurred to both. Had the Emperor's
brain, never of a very dominating quality, suddenly given way under
the tragic possibilities of to-night?

The two Generals, admirable machines, but who were pretty well
incapable of moving on their own volition, kept imperturbable faces.

Golitzine at last ventured to touch the shoulder of his Imperial
Master. Even a favourite Secretary paused before taking liberties with
an autocrat, so long as he was in his right mind. But Golitzine was
beginning to doubt if he was, and Salmoros entertained the same
suspicion.

"There is no time to be lost, Sire. They are going to strike to-night.
We must be prepared to counter their blow. What does your Majesty
suggest?"

The Emperor smiled calmly. It was evident that he had not gone out of
his mind, as they had at first feared.

He spoke in measured accents. "I have been thinking very deeply, my
good old friend Golitzine. One of the band is going to assassinate me
to-night. Well, you leave that part of the problem to me."

Golitzine recoiled in consternation. "It is my duty and that of my
colleagues"--he pointed to the two inarticulate Generals--"to guard
the sacred person of your Majesty. With all respect, Sire, I cannot
leave that task to yourself."

He turned to the Baron. "I t