Quickly the three leaped out. In spite of the Germans hovering overhead, Hal examined the ’plane.
“Great Scott!” he exclaimed, after a quick, though careful, inspection. “I can fix this thing in five minutes.”
Now the German machines came to the ground a short distance away. From each craft leaped three men, who dashed toward the three friends.
Alexis turned to Hal and Chester.
“Do you,” he said calmly, “fix up the airship. I will meet these fellows!”
Before either lad could reply, he had hurled himself upon the foe.
For some reason, probably because they did not wish to attract the attention of the Swedish authorities by the sounds of a struggle, the Germans, at first, drew no firearms. Perceiving but one form rushing toward them, they advanced to meet him confidently. Plainly they considered it the wild dash of a madman.
Hal and Chester turned their attention to the aëroplane, and while Alexis fought against overwhelming numbers, they overhauled it carefully.
Right into the midst of his foes rushed the giant. Such a superb attack was never seen before–such a mad wild dash as he took the enemy by surprise and hurled them back–all of them–back against the airships that stood on the sands.
As the huge Cossack rushed forward, his sword flashed above his head. His revolver he gripped tightly by the barrel. A fighting fire darted from his eye, and his thin lips were bared in a slight smile.