"Well," said Hal, "we would like to get back to Lodz. I suppose our regiment is still stationed there."

"I will see that you get there with all possible dispatch," the commander promised. "I will land you where it will be most convenient for you."

The lads thanked him, and walked across the deck, where they rejoined Alexis and Stephan.

"You would make a pretty good sailor, Alexis," Chester told him.

The Cossack drew himself up and strutted proudly for several moments.

"Of course I would," he said. "It is nothing new to me."

"Nothing new!" exclaimed Hal in some surprise.

"No," replied Alexis.

"You mean you have been a sailor?" demanded Chester.

"Certainly. Of course the commander of this vessel did a fair piece of work a few moments ago; but I could tell him a few things. Why, when I commanded a ship in the battle of----"

"Enough! Enough!" cried Hal, throwing up his hands in protest.

"Do you doubt my word?" demanded Alexis fiercely.

"Not at all," Hal hastened to a.s.sure him. "But, Alexis; have you learned yet what 'drawing the long bow' means?"

"No," replied the giant, "are you going to tell me at last?"

"I had about decided to," said Hal slowly; "but after this, never!"

CHAPTER XIII.

INTO THE CARPATHIANS.

"So," said the Grand Duke Nicholas, "you find that there are adventures to be found in the eastern as well as the western theater of war, eh?"

"Yes, Your Excellency," replied Hal.

"And tell me," continued the Grand Duke, "what do you think of the Cossacks as fighters?"

"From what we have seen," replied Chester, "I should say that there are none better."

"Good!" was the emphatic rejoinder. "There are none better!" and he regarded the lads silently for some moments.

Hal, Chester, Alexis, Stephan and Marquis, after the battle on the Vistula, had returned to Lodz without difficulty. The commander of the Russian river steamer had made it as easy for them as possible. In Lodz they learned that their regiment had been ordered to the front, and had been on their way to join it, when the Grand Duke, inspecting his troops, had come upon them. He immediately had the two lads taken to his quarters, for he was greatly interested in them. Alexis, Stephan and Marquis waited without.

At last the Grand Duke spoke. "I have a mission for you, if you are willing to undertake it," he said.

"Yes, Your Excellency," replied Chester.

"Very good! As you may know, my primary aim, from the beginning of the war, was an invasion of Hungary--the capture first of Budapest and next of Vienna. This necessitates the capture of Cracow, in Galicia, and the forcing of a pa.s.sage through the Carpathian mountains--a tremendous feat at this time of year. The investment of Cracow is certain. Even now my troops are within a few miles of that stronghold, and I had word this morning that part of it is in flames. Do you follow me?"

"Perfectly, Your Excellency," replied both lads.

"Very well! Now, in some unaccountable manner, my plans have always been antic.i.p.ated by the Austrians. How or by whom I do not know; but I believe it has been by some of Brunnoi's bandits, who have a stronghold in the Carpathians, but mingle freely with our soldiers. Do you know who Brunnoi is?"

"No, sir," from both the lads.

"Well, Brunnoi is a veritable bandit chief--a man of great cunning and influence, besides being a born gentleman. A Hungarian, and therefore a Slav, he should naturally support the Russian cause. He has a strong following and his men would make first-rate soldiers. We are seeking his support, and so are the Austrians. However, if it is through his spies that my plans are being given to the Austrians I would like to know it.

Do I make myself clear?"

"You mean," said Hal, "that you would have us find out just where he stands?"

"Exactly! He has sent me word that he will espouse our cause, but I fear he may be double-dealing. Naturally, therefore, you will keep your ident.i.ties secret. That is all."

The lads saluted, and turned to depart, but before they could leave the tent a man in civilian garb entered the tent. The Grand Duke greeted him warmly and then called to the lads.

"I wish to introduce you to Count de Reslau," he said. "He, if any man, can give you information that may be of aid to you."

The two lads acknowledged the introduction, and as he recognized the newcomer, Hal started back. The latter smiled.

"I see you remember me," he said pleasantly. "I must apologize for my previous rudeness. I did not then know you were friends of the Grand Duke."

Both lads bowed. Count de Reslau was the man who had laughed at Alexis in a store in Lodz some time before--the man whom the lads believed to be responsible for their being set upon in the street. The count explained the matter to the Grand Duke.

"Well," said the latter, "I am sure these lads bear no malice." To the boys he added: "The count is one of my best friends. Being a Hungarian he has not taken up arms against Hungary, although he is in sympathy with us. I am sure he can aid you."

He then gave the count an idea of the mission the lads were about to undertake, and the count promised to help them in every way possible.

"Your Excellency," said Hal, as they prepared to take leave of the Grand Duke, "have we your permission to take Alexis with us?"

"And who is Alexis?" demanded the Grand Duke.

Chester explained.

"Take him by all means," was the Grand Duke's reply; "and return to me at the earliest possible moment."

The lads saluted and left the tent. Alexis joined them on the outside and the boys told him of the work ahead of them.

"But how about me?" Stephan demanded. "Am I not to go too?"

"No; I am sorry," replied Hal. "The Grand Duke said nothing about you.

Besides, three are better than four."

Stephan was greatly disappointed, and showed it plainly. However, he was not a man to complain. He wished them good luck, shook hands all around and set off to rejoin his own regiment.