And so Fred went through the tunnel again, this time with Boris. He wondered if he would ever see this place again.
CHAPTER XV
A DASH THROUGH THE NIGHT
Both boys were startled when they reached the open air again to observe how the din of the battle to the east had increased. They paused for a moment to stare at one another.
"That is real war," said Boris. "Not like the skirmish here when the Cossacks came."
"The Germans are giving way on purpose, of course, if Ivan is right—and it seems to me he must be," said Fred. "I am afraid to think of what will happen to him."
"I do not like to think of it, either," said Boris, "but it is fate. He has his work to do, and it is all for Russia—for God and the Czar! I have always been taught that we can die only once, and that it is a holy thing to die for Russia."
"Yes, but it is better to live for Russia than to die for her, if it is possible," said Fred. "Come! We have no time to lose, I suppose."
They approached the car in a death-like silence. It was still where Fred had left it. There was a little delay in the start. Both Fred and Boris had driven cars, but they were not familiar with this one, and it seemed a good idea to learn the controls before they started. But in a few moments they were off. The car rode easily, and the motor was very powerful. It was a silent one, too, considering its great power. Fred took the wheel first.