“I shall indeed be sorry to lose you.”
“To lose us!” exclaimed Chester, in surprise. “Why, Your Excellency, we have no intention of being killed.”
“I didn’t mean that,” replied the Grand Duke, with a slight smile, “but I have other work of importance for you. In fact, I may say of greater importance than any which you have yet accomplished.”
“And we shall be glad to undertake it, no matter what it is,” said Hal. “I am sure we can carry it through successfully.”
“So am I,” replied the Grand Duke dryly. “After some of the things you have done, I would not say there is anything you cannot do.”
“But this new mission?” questioned Hal.
“The new mission,” replied the Grand Duke, “will carry you back into France.”
“What!” exclaimed both lads in surprise.
“Exactly,” said the Grand Duke. “That is why I said I would be sorry to lose you, for I know that, once back with the British troops, you will not return again to Russia.”
“Well, Your Excellency,” said Chester, “we have seen service with the Cossacks, and we like it immensely, but—”