The Boy Allies with the Cossacks Part 10

The general now summoned one of his staff, and turned the lads over to the latter with this injunction:

"Have them sent to Posen. Instruct Commander Friech that they must be well guarded, but treated with kindness."

He bowed gravely to both lads, who saluted and followed the other officer from the German commander's quarters.

"You will remain in my quarters until to-night," said the officer to the three friends, "and you probably will start on your journey about midnight. There is a detachment leaving about that time."

He conducted the three and the dog to his tent, where their wounds were dressed and a guard was stationed over them. Then they were left to themselves.

Alexis, who up to this time had not spoken, at last opened his mouth.

"What's this all about?" he demanded. "I can't understand this outlandish gibberish. What's it all about, anyhow?"

The conversation between the lads and the German officers had been in English.

Chester broke into a laugh.

"Outlandish gibberis.h.!.+" he exclaimed. "Why, Alexis, if you only knew how your native tongue sounds, you wouldn't call anything gibberish. It's fortunate you speak German."

"Well, perhaps so," Alexis agreed. "But what's it all about?"

"Simply," said Hal, "that we are to be taken to Posen, where we will be held prisoners till after the war."

Alexis uttered a loud Russian imprecation.

"I was in hope," he said, "that when I went into East Prussia it would be as part of an army too big for the Germans ever to drive out."

"It can't be helped now," said Chester briefly.

"It would have been helped if you had let me fight when I wanted to,"

said the big Cossack regretfully.

All day long the three were kept close inside the tent. Not once were they permitted to step into the open. Night fell, and food was placed before them. They were almost famished, so they ate heartily, sharing their meal with Marquis. It was well along toward midnight when the German officer once more entered the tent and informed them it was time for them to leave.

They followed the officer into the open air, where a large body of men were ready to move. Quickly they were led to horses, and were soon in the saddle. Then, closely guarded, they were led away at a swift trot.

The German camp was some miles from the nearest railroad station, and it took several hours to cover this distance. At last, however, they were conducted aboard a train, where, under heavy guard, they continued their journey.

It was well along toward the next evening when the train, after many stops, finally pulled into Posen. With a number of other prisoners, the three friends and Marquis, who had been allowed to accompany them, were taken from the train and turned over to another squad of troops. In the center of these they were led to a large and ma.s.sive castle at one end of the town. Here they were thrust into a dark though well-appointed room, which, their guard informed them, was to be their prison.

"So this is where we are to spend the next few years, eh?" said Chester.

"The outlook is not very bright," replied Hal, "but we shall have to make the best of a bad situation."

The three began a careful survey of their prison. There were two large windows in the room, looking out into a little court. Through these a dim light streamed. The windows were heavily barred. Hal and Chester tested the bars. Alexis, however, after one look, sat down in deep disgust. If his wounds bothered him any, he did not seem to mind them.

"No chance of escape here," said Hal, after shaking one of the heavy iron bars.

"I should say not," agreed Chester, after making a test.

They turned from the windows just as a key grated in the lock of the heavy door, and a man of huge stature, topping the giant frame of Alexis by more than an inch, entered the room.

"Good evening," he said politely enough. "I have come to see if you require anything. We have been instructed to treat you kindly."

"A little liberty is about all," said Hal, with a rueful smile.

"I am sorry," replied the newcomer, also smiling slightly, "but that is the one thing I cannot grant you. I suppose you wonder who I am?"

The boys nodded.

"I," said the newcomer, striking himself a hard blow on the chest, "am Freiderich von Bernstrum, brother of Heinrich von Bernstrum, commander of this fortress, and I am kept cooped up here while there is fighting to be done--me, Freiderich von Bernstrum, a real fighter!"

"Hm-m-m," muttered Hal to himself as he glanced keenly at Alexis. "Two of a kind."

Alexis moved restlessly as the big German made this boast. It was plain to both lads that, while he might like to brag himself, he did not relish hearing another do so.

"Yes," continued von Bernstrum, "I would go to the front. But my brother, he would stay here. You see," and the talkative German leaned closer to the lads, "he has a fair captive in the tower above, and he seeks to marry her."

"And who is she?" demanded Hal.

"I will mention no names," replied the German. "Enough that she is a Russian countess."

Alexis jumped to his feet and advanced upon the big German.

"You have dared to lay a hand upon a Russian lady?" he demanded.

The German eyed him amusedly.

"And what of it?" he demanded. "However, you need have no fear. She prefers me, and I shall take her away from him."

Alexis raised a threatening hand, but Hal stayed him.

"Quiet," he whispered. "Some good may come of this if you obey me."

Alexis subsided.

Hal approached Chester and whispered.

"Keep von Bernstrum in conversation while I have a word with Alexis."

Chester did as Hal ordered, and the latter whispered to the big Cossack:

"Do you think you can whip this man?" pointing to von Bernstrum.

Alexis' fingers twitched.

"Remember you are wounded, Alexis."