“I would like to learn,” he said, “whether there is any truth in the report that, in the event we capture Cracow, the population of Galicia will come to our support and throw off the Austrian yoke. Of course I have heard these rumors from apparently reliable sources, but I would prefer to know the truth from someone I can trust implicitly.”
“We shall be glad to undertake that mission, Your Excellency,” said Hal. “I believe that by using a little strategy we can gain entrance to the city. It would probably be easier for us than for one of your own men, because we are Americans and may be able to use that to advantage.”
“I had thought of that,” replied the Grand Duke. “In fact, it is for that reason that I selected you. I will give you a message to your commander, relieving you from active duty. My advice is that you do not take Alexis on this mission. He would probably hinder you.”
The boys saluted, and taking the paper the Grand Duke extended to them, departed. On their way back toward Cracow they informed Alexis of their mission and of the fact that he was not to accompany them. The Cossack was disappointed and astonished.
“Not take me!” he exclaimed in surprise. “Why, I am good for fifty men! You know that!”
“But this is not a case of strength and fighting,” Hal explained. “This is a case where strategy will count more than a hundred men.”
“Well,” demanded Alexis, “am I not a strategist? Did you not tell me so with your own lips? As a strategist there is none better than I. Why, I can tell you how I—”
“But, Alexis,” Hal interrupted, “one look at you would tell an Austrian your nationality. You cannot expect to fool them as we did the peasant of the hills. I am sorry, but there is no help for it.”
Alexis was greatly crestfallen, but he admitted the truth of the boys’ reasoning.
“It is true that anyone would know I am a Cossack,” he replied, “but if it came to a fight—”