Boy, come with me!" Utterly amazed, Fred obeyed.

The Grand Duke seized his arm in a vise-like grip and half pushed, half dragged him along with him.

Fred was too amazed even to wonder what had happened or what was to happen next.

He found himself being led into a room that was filled with officers.

They were grouped about one end of the room, where, near a window, there stood a short man in a brilliant uniform.