The telegram was sent. That night found me speeding south toward the unconquered and unconquerable Caucasus, where the flower of the Russian army was hopelessly struggling to quench the flames of revolt with blood--the blood not only of men, but of women and children. CHAPTER II AMONG OFFICERS OF THE CZAR Welcomed by officers of the guard--Being _Cossackized_--An interrupted sleep--Presentation to the governor-general--An amusing interview--The general’s vanity and how it was tickled--The story of the Cossacks--An Ingoosh brigand--An expedition into the mountains. Prince Andronnikov, some time lieutenant in the Terskoi-Koubansky Cossack regiment, presently attached to the person of the empress, received me in Vladikavkas with a graciousness known only in the East--charming formality blended with cordial warmth--and I at once felt at home. The prince was in the uniform of the Cossacks of the mountains. A kilted outer garment of gray, loose-fitting, but well cut, offered a pleasing background for what was to me a startling array of side-arms--a saber, a dagger, a revolver, and a row of rifle cartridges across the breast. “You will be one of us across the Caucasus?” he said in exquisite French. “Our regiment is indeed honored.” It was the noon hour when I presented myself to Prince Andronnikov, and the officers of his regiment were about sitting down to lunch. I was introduced to a score or more of them, charming fellows all, scions of some of the noblest families in Russia. The commander of the regiment was Count Schouvoleff, who bore the distinction of being an aide-de-camp to the czar.