Part 3 (1/2)
”And so would I,” declared Chester
”All right,” said Hal ”Then, if you are agreeable, e see the Grand Duke to-night, I shall ask hin us to duties with the Russian army”
In another moment the two lads, tired out, were fast asleep, with Marquis on guard
CHAPTER III
UNDER THE BEAR
”So, Your Excellency,” Hal concluded, ”you may see that we have had considerable active service”
The Russian Grand Duke Nicholas did not reply for soreatly ireatly interested in the boys' adventures since they had taken service with the Allies just before the defense of Liege
”Yes,” he said at length, ”you certainly have seen considerable service; and, in bringing me this paper safely”--the Grand Duke tapped his breast pocket--”you have rendered an invaluable service to our cause I a I can do to showtheir conversation of a few hours before, Hal started to speak, then hesitated Realizing that the lad had so, the Grand Duke said:
”Come, out with it What can I do for you?”
”Well, Your Excellency,” said Hal, ”my friend and I would like to see service with the Russian army”
”What!” exclaimed the Grand Duke
”Yes,” Chester broke into the conversation ”We have talked it over, and we have decided that ould like to see service in the Eastern theater of war”
”H his mustache, ”and have you picked out the branch of the service to which you would like to be attached?”
”Yes, sir,” said Hal; ”we have”
”And that is?” questioned the Grand Duke
”The cavalry, Your Excellency--the Cossacks”
The Grand Duke jumped to his feet in surprise
”Well, well!” he exclai you could have asked ed”
”If it will inconvenience you, your Excellency----” Chester began
”Tut! Tut!” the Grand Duke interrupted him, with a wave of his hand ”It shall be done Consider theof the Cossacks?”
”Why, yes, Your Excellency,” replied Hal ”We have read considerable about them”
”Still,” said the Grand Duke, ”I'll warrant you do not know overly much about thelad to hear Your Excellency,” said Chester
”The Cossacks,” said the Grand Duke, ”from whom the Russian cavalry is mainly drawn, forhts and privileges in return for e holds its land as a coe assees It has been estimated that the Cossacks will place 400,000 armed men in the field in this war