" 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.

Suddenly Hal bethought himself of Marquis.

"We can't take him," he said. "He would be in the way. What shall we do
with him?"

Alexis bethought himself of a friend in the city who, he was sure, would
be glad to look out for the dog while they were away. Accordingly
Marquis was taken to this home, where the woman of the house readily
agreed to take care of him; but when they came to leave, Marquis wanted
to go, too.

"No," said Hal, and he talked to the dog quietly for several minutes,
explaining to him the necessity of his remaining behind.

There could be no doubt that the dog understood, for a sorrowful look
came over his face. His tail wagged in understanding of his