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.