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.