of Asia also."

"The sooner the better," was Hal's comment.

The Grand Duke smiled.

"It may take time," he said, "but it will be done just so surely as
Turkey casts in her fortunes with Germany."

After some further talk the lads left the Grand Duke's tent, and
rejoined their regiment. Everything was now practically ready for the
advance to the southward, and the troops were eagerly awaiting the word
that was to send them into the Carpathians, to strike a decisive blow at
the Austrians.

And the word was given early the following morning.

CHAPTER XXI.

RAIDING.

At a fierce gallop the troop of Cossacks bore down upon the little
mountain town--firing at a detachment of Austrian soldiers who ventured
forth to give them battle--without checking their speed. This band of
Cossacks, reconnoitering well ahead of the main advance guard, was
probably 1,000 strong; the Austrians opposing them much less. With the
rapidly advancing Russians were Hal, Chester and Alexis.

The advance of the Czar's troops to the Carpathians had been without
incident. Whenever troops of the enemy had opposed them they had been
put to flight without difficulty. The cavalry, dashing rapidly ahead,
had outdistanced their cavalry and artillery support, and the entire
force of mounted men--60,000 of them--were in the midst of the wild
mountains.

Harassed from front and, now that they had advanced well into the
mountains, also from the sides and rear, the Cossacks nevertheless
pushed on. From behind rocks and trees, isolated bands of Austrians
fired upon them, doing great execution, disappearing in the hills when
the Cossacks turned upon them.

The reconnoitering force to which the lads were attached dashed down
upon the little mountain town, the sun gleaming on their lances and
revolver barrels. In vain did the Austrian officers urge their men to
stand firm. After one volley at the approaching horsemen, they broke and
fled, scattering in all directions. The very name, Cossack, spread
terror.

Right into the middle of the little village dashed the troop. Now from
every window came a hail of lead, and the Cossacks, apparently trapped,
turned this way and that, not knowing which way to go. Struck by a rifle
bullet, the officer in command threw up his hands and toppled from his
horse. Quickly Alexis sprang to the head of the men, Hal and Chester
beside him.

"Dismount!" cried Alexis.

The cavalrymen threw themselves from their h