“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.”