The lads saluted the general, and he acknowledged the salute stiffly.
“I am not at all sure as to how they will be received by the men, sir,” he said to the Grand Duke.
“You will see that they are well treated,” replied the Grand Duke. “My commands are not to be treated lightly. These lads will be attached to your staff with the rank of lieutenants. They are not to serve in the ranks.”
“Yes, your excellency,” said the general, saluting.
“You will find, general,” continued the Grand Duke, “that you may depend upon them to the limit. I fancy I am a good judge of character. They have already done me an invaluable service. They may do more.”
The Grand Duke then proceeded to relate some of the lads’ exploits and informed the general of the message they had brought.
General Jorvitch thawed immediately upon hearing this, and extended a hand to each lad in turn.
“I shall be glad to have you with me,” he told them sincerely. “I feared, at first, that the Grand Duke was trying an experiment.”
In spite of the general’s first gruffness the lads had taken a liking to him. Straight and erect, with a flashing eye, he was the beau ideal of a soldier. Still, there was a slight twinkle in the corner of those same eyes, which proclaimed him a man, though stern, of a kindly disposition.
The lads thanked the general, and their interview with the Grand Duke concluded, followed their new commander back to his quarters.