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 her than in the rest of Russia
”Now, the Cossacks have always been fighters--none better in the world
They have won renoherever 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 ned 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 ”
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 ain stood in the presence of the Grand Duke With hiave evidence of having seen hard service, but gaily bedecked nevertheless He was a large ht, 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 inforranted”
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 cohtly 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 e of character They have already done me an invaluable service They may do more”
The Grand Duke then proceeded to relate soeneral of the ht
General Jorvitch thawed i 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 experiruffness the lads had taken a liking to hi eye, he was the beau ideal of a soldier Still, there was a slight twinkle in the corner of those sah stern, of a kindly disposition
The lads thanked the general, and their intervieith the Grand Duke concluded, followed their new commander back to his quarters
”I have been ordered to advance,” the general infor, ”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 forith 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 friendshi+p He stood at least six feet six and seeth He it ho 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 Gerer as ”Lieutenant Alexis Vergoff”
”Lodz; and e get there we'll make the Ger tone