Part 11 (2/2)

”Here,” said Hal to the Ger to Alexis, ”is a foeman worthy of your steel You shall try with him”

”Good!” exclaimed von Bernstrum ”With fists?”

”No,” replied Hal, as somewhat doubtful of Alexis' prowess in the fistic art ”How about a wrestling ain ”But I assure you I am his superior” He turned to Alexis ”Get ready, man!”

CHAPTER VIII

THE ESCAPE

Alexisa desperate chance to put through the scheger man than Alexis, but the latter had lost much blood only 36 hours before Doubtless also he knew every trick of a wrestler or fighter

Alexis took off his shoes and threw them into a corner, and divested hi as he followed the Cossack's exaripped it hard and gave a grunt of satisfaction

”A ht hand across the Gerht him firmly and the boys saw by the expression on his face that he was not certain of the outcoiant

”If ever men felt the joy of battle, these two do,” exclairipped in a tight eave hirunted

Alexis so far had uttered no word Now he perceived that his opponent was preparing for the loin throw and prepared himself to meet it When he had foiled this attack, he held his opponent for a ripped von Bernstru Had the German been a weaker ht deep breath, and the Cossack ood try!” muttered the German

He now tested Alexis sorely He tried a cross hitch, but failed At this, a smile broke out on Alexis' face

Both lads, who had been watching the struggle nervously, no confident It was evident that the Cossack hoped for victory

At last Alexis saw his chance In getting the grip he wanted, it was necessary for hi himself in his opponent's power; but the Cossack ventured to do this, for he realized that by no other means could he throw hie of it, and for a moment Alexis was afraid it was all over with hireeaker at last, and the boys could hear hi Hal spoke to Chester

”I believe he realizes that Alexis will master him,” he exclaimed in a whisper

Chester nodded in assent

Now Alexis put all the strength of his hty heave, and Freiderich von Bernstru across the roo the floor with a terrible thud

For a moment the lads were afraid Alexis had killed him; but for a moment only Calmly Alexis put on his shoes and donned his coat Then he turned to his young friends and waited His attitude said as plain as words:

”I have done the fighting You do the rest”

Quickly Hal stooped over the fallen htening up, he approached the door, opened it and peered out There was no one in sight