“Still,” continued the giant, “all things considered, that was not such a remarkable feat. Now I remember once—”
Chester interrupted.
“Come,” he said, taking Alexis by the arm, “we must get away from here. The story can wait.”
Alexis subsided without further words, and the three continued on their way.
“The thing to do now,” said Hal, “is to get back to Lodz as quickly as we can. With luck, we should make it in four days.”
“Yes,” agreed Chester, “we have learned what we set out to learn. There is no use delaying.”
The attention of all three was at that moment attracted by the sound of galloping horses, nearby. The hoof beats were coming toward them. Alexis sprang to action.
“We must have horses,” he said in a hoarse whisper. “Otherwise we will be weeks getting back. We will take these.”
“How?” demanded both lads in a single voice.
“Follow me,” commanded the giant.