t! Tut!" the Grand Duke interrupted him, with a wave of his hand. "It
shall be done. Consider the matter settled. Do you know anything of 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 them. I'll tell you a little, if you like."

"We would be glad to hear Your Excellency," said Chester.

"The Cossacks," said the Grand Duke, "from whom the Russian cavalry is
mainly drawn, form a community within the Russian Empire enjoying
special rights and privileges in return for military service. Each
Cossack village holds its land as a commune, and the village assembly
fixes local taxation and elects the local judges. It has been estimated
that the Cossacks will place 400,000 armed men in the field in this war.

"Both in historical writings and in fiction the Cossacks are often
represented as little better than savages. But this is a mistake, for
the level of education among the Cossacks is higher than in the rest of
Russia.

"Now, the Cossacks have always been fighters--none better in the world.
They have won renown wherever 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 made it hard for me when you asked to be assigned 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
me here in the morning."

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 morning when they again stood
in the presence of the Grand Duke. With him was an officer in a dark
uniform, that gave evidence of having seen hard service, but gaily
bedecked nevertheless. He was a large man, fully six feet in height, 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 informed him of your
request, and my command that it be granted."

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,