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"You think, then, that he already suspects, and would murder us?"

"You, us, and also your son, the Emperor Ivan"

"Alsolike those of an

enraged lioness "Ah, I should kno to defend ht!"

"So be it!" unanimously exclaimed the three men

"He has driven us to this extreh

that he has banished our friends and faithful servants, surrounding us

with his h that he wounds and

hu emperor from us, his

parents, his natural protectors We are attacked in our holiest rights,

and must, therefore, defend ourselves"

"But what shall we do with this sent?" asked Ostermann

"We will

"No," vehemently exclaimed Leopoldowna--"no, no blood shall flow! Not

with blood shall our own and our son's rights be secured! Swear this

gentle"

"I well knew that your highness would so decide," said Munnich, with a

s a folded paper from his bosohness"

"Ah, what is this?" said the duchess, unfolding the paper; "it is the