Part 3 (2/2)

”Both in historical writings and in fiction the Cossacks are often represented as little better than savages. But this is a mistake, for the level of education among the Cossacks is higher than in the rest of Russia.

”Now, the Cossacks have always been fighters--none better in the world.

They have won renown wherever they have fought by their daring and bravery. But the Cossacks, to a certain degree, are clannish--they do not take kindly to those not of their kind. Which is the reason, as I said, you had made it hard for me when you asked to be a.s.signed to a Cossack regiment. By the way, can you ride?”

”Yes, Your Excellency,” replied Hal. ”We are both used to the saddle, having ridden much in America.”

”Well,” said the Grand Duke, ”I will see that it is arranged. Report to me here in the morning.”

The lads saluted and took their departure, returning to the spot where they had sought rest only a few short hours before.

It was about seven o'clock the following morning when they again stood in the presence of the Grand Duke. With him was an officer in a dark uniform, that gave evidence of having seen hard service, but gaily bedecked nevertheless. He was a large man, fully six feet in height, and built proportionately. The Grand Duke motioned the boys to approach.

”This,” he said, indicating the officer who stood beside him, ”is your future commander, General Ivan Jorvitch. I have informed him of your request, and my command that it be granted.”

The lads saluted the general, and he acknowledged the salute stiffly.

”I am not at all sure as to how they will be received by the men, sir,”

he said to the Grand Duke.

”You will see that they are well treated,” replied the Grand Duke. ”My commands are not to be treated lightly. These lads will be attached to your staff with the rank of lieutenants. They are not to serve in the ranks.”

”Yes, your excellency,” said the general, saluting.

”You will find, general,” continued the Grand Duke, ”that you may depend upon them to the limit. I fancy I am a good judge of character. They have already done me an invaluable service. They may do more.”

The Grand Duke then proceeded to relate some of the lads' exploits and informed the general of the message they had brought.

General Jorvitch thawed immediately upon hearing this, and extended a hand to each lad in turn.

”I shall be glad to have you with me,” he told them sincerely. ”I feared, at first, that the Grand Duke was trying an experiment.”

In spite of the general's first gruffness the lads had taken a liking to him. Straight and erect, with a flas.h.i.+ng eye, he was the beau ideal of a soldier. Still, there was a slight twinkle in the corner of those same eyes, which proclaimed him a man, though stern, of a kindly disposition.

The lads thanked the general, and their interview with the Grand Duke concluded, followed their new commander back to his quarters.

”I have been ordered to advance,” the general informed them as they made their way along, ”and as soon as I have introduced you to your fellow officers and procured you uniforms and horses, we shall proceed.”

An hour later, in true Russian garb and astride two fiery chargers, the lads made their way forward with the rest of the troop. In all there were probably 10,000 Cossacks in this advance.

With one of the Cossack officers, a young lieutenant, huge in stature and pleasant of face, the lads at once struck up a friends.h.i.+p. He stood at least six feet six and seemed a Goliath in strength. He it was who picked their horses for them, and obtained their uniforms. Some of the other officers, while not openly hostile, still were disdainful of the two boys, and plainly not well pleased with their company.

”Have you any idea where we are bound?” asked Hal in German of their new friend, who introduced himself with a swagger as ”Lieutenant Alexis Vergoff.”

”Lodz; and when we get there we'll make the Germans hard to find,” was the answer, made in a loud, boasting tone.

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