ge story," he said, "but it is not for me to pass
upon its veracity. You shall be given an audience with the Grand Duke;
but, mark me well, if it is found that you have been lying--that you
have nothing of importance, it will go hard with you."

"We have no fear of that, sir," said Chester briefly.

"All right, then. Follow me."

The lads did as ordered, Marquis trailing along after them. Through
thousands of rapidly-moving men the lads followed the officer, and at
last, after more than an hour's walk, came to a stop, upon command, in
front of a large, bewhiskered man, of imposing military stature.

"This," said the officer who had conducted them, "is Grand Duke
Nicholas."

The officer looked down on them.

"What is it?" he demanded gruffly.

The officer repeated the story the boys had told him. The Grand Duke
grew greatly interested as the story progressed, and, when the message
was mentioned, he interrupted.

"Enough," he said. "I have been expecting such a message." He turned to
the two lads. "Do you bear it?" he asked.

Hal bowed in assent.

"Then give it to me!" he cried eagerly.

Chester reached in his pocket, and a moment more the Grand Duke eagerly
clutched the paper the lad handed him--a paper they had gone through so
much to deliver.

The Grand Duke read the message through twice, sitting on his horse
without a move, his face a perfect blank. Then he thrust it into his
pocket and turned once more to the two lads.

"You have done well," he said. "Captain, you will see that they are
brought to my quarters to-night at eight o'clock. I desire to question
them. In the meantime, see that they are fed and clothed properly, for
it is very cold."

The officer saluted, and the Grand Duke rode away, closely followed by
the members of his staff. At a sign from the officer in whose charge
they had been left, the lads followed him.

Toward the rear of the army they continued their way, coming at last
upon a row of tents. Into one of these the officer led the way, the lads
and the dog following him.

Here the officer quickly set out food, and the boys fell to with a will,
for it was a long time since a morsel had passed their lips. Then,
having satisfied their appetites, they informed the officer that they
would like to rest.

The officer nodded, and showed them into another tent, where two bunks
had been prepared. With a word of thanks, the boys climbed in, and the
officer left them alone.

"Well,"