“Have you decided yet to tell me what you mean by drawing the long bow?”
“While you have a gun like that in your possession, I wouldn’t tell you for the world,” replied Hal.
Now the column, at a command from General Jorvitch, increased its pace. In the distance could be made out the buildings of a large town.
“Lodz,” said Alexis briefly, pointing ahead.
Hal and Chester acknowledged they understood. The troop continued onward.
Lodz, an important railroad center, was one of the most important towns in Poland, and the Grand Duke had decided that it must be held at all hazards. There was already a large body of troops stationed there, but the Grand Duke had not considered them sufficient to hold off the ever-increasing horde of the Kaiser. Even now large masses of infantry were being thrown forward to reënforce the troops already there.
Acclaimed on all hands, the Cossacks rode rapidly through the town and went into camp at the side facing the Germans. Outposts were thrown out and the Cossacks sat down to a day of waiting.
Having secured permission, Hal, Chester and Alexis walked back toward the town. For several hours they strolled about, looking in the windows, and purchasing several small articles.
The people of Lodz were serene in their belief that there was no danger of a German invasion, in spite of the nearness of the foe. Shops and stores, theaters and all buildings were gaily decorated, and thousands promenaded the streets. The city was in festival attire.
“Looks like they were preparing for a celebration,” Hal remarked to Chester.