“I should like to make a request.”
“Consider it granted,” said the Grand Duke.
“Well, then,” said Hal, “I should like to ask permission to take Alexis with us.”
The Grand Duke was plainly surprised.
“He may be of great aid to us in getting through,” Hal explained. “His strength is prodigious, and more than once, as I have told you, has stood us in good stead.”
“Well,” said the Grand Duke thoughtfully, “I will not order him to accompany you, for he would be out of his element on the other side; but, if he is willing to go, he has my permission.”
After some further talk the boys took a friendly farewell of the commander-in-chief of the Russian armies and left the tent. They hunted up Alexis immediately.
“Well, Alexis,” said Hal, “to-morrow we start back for France!”
The giant Cossack was on his feet in a moment.
“You mean you are going away for good?” he asked.