perfect English, "to know you; and I envy my
cousin George the services of such gallant youths."

Both lads bowed in acknowledgment of this compliment, and the Czar
turned to Alexis, who was still kneeling.

"And this man," he said, "surely he is one of my Cossacks?"

"Yes, your majesty," replied the Grand Duke. "There is not a braver in
the whole army," and he related some of Alexis' feats, as told him days
before by Hal and Chester.

The Czar stretched forth a hand to Alexis, and the latter kissed it.

"You shall be remembered," said the Russian monarch.

Alexis' face glowed with pleasure. He was so taken by surprise that he
was unable to speak.

The Grand Duke now signified that the three might leave the tent, and
they accordingly bowed themselves out. Outside Alexis could restrain
himself no longer.

"I told you I was a brave man!" he cried; "but I am even braver than I
thought. I have been addressed by the Czar!"

An officer entered the Grand Duke's tent, and departed a moment later in
great haste. A second later and the shrill call of a bugle carried
through the town. It was the order for inspection. The Czar was about to
review his troops.

An hour later Czar Nicholas stood before his army, or such a part of it
as could be crowded in the plain before the Grand Duke's tent. Far out
it stretched on all sides. In a short address, in which he praised his
troops for their gallantry in action, the Czar predicted that success
would eventually crown the Russian arms. Then he turned to an officer of
the Grand Duke's staff and gave a command.

Immediately the latter approached Hal, Chester and Alexis, who, being
apart from their regiments, stood a little to one side watching the
ceremonies.

"Follow me!" he commanded.

Without a word the three obeyed. Straight to the Czar the officer led
the way, the two lads and the Cossack wondering what it was all about.
In front of the Russian monarch the officer withdrew, leaving them alone
before the Czar.

The Russian ruler stepped between the three, with a smile on his face
drew something from his pocket, approached each in turn and pinned
something on his breast.

Alexis, Hal and Chester let their eyes drop to these objects, and all
three cried out in surprise.

For the Czar of Russia, there in the presence of the army of Poland,
before the Grand Duke and other Russian nobles and dignitaries, with the
eyes of the entire assemblage focused upon them, had pinne