The officer stood his ground.
“Just what I say,” he replied. “I don’t believe you. The tale you tell is impossible.”
Chester stepped into the breach. He took Hal by the arm.
“Of course such a tale is hard to believe,” he said. “But, nevertheless, it is true. We carry an important message for the Grand Duke.”
“Well,” said the officer, “I don’t think you will see him. He is too busy to give up his time to listen to such a tale as yours.”
But at this moment a second officer, apparently the other’s superior, approached. To him, upon request, Hal repeated his story. This officer also looked incredulous, but the result was different.
“You tell a very strange 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.