“A real fighter!” he exclaimed. “A man after my own heart!”
“I didn’t see you doing much fighting just a moment ago,” said Hal, somewhat nettled.
“Of course not,” replied Alexis. “Do you think I wanted to get in trouble? Suppose an officer had come along?”
“Well,” said Hal, “suppose he had?”
“If he had, we would have lost our liberty for all time to come.”
“And is that why you didn’t fight?”
“Yes! Discipline in the Russian army is more strict than in any army in the world; but you are certainly a fighter. The way you stood up to that man reminds me of the time I—”
“Come on,” broke in Chester, not wanting to hear any more bluster, “and let’s get out of here.”
The three left the store, and continued their stroll about the town. As they were passing an unfrequented corner, six men suddenly sprang out upon them, armed with clubs and knives.
Hal and Chester immediately backed up against a wall, and turned to fight off their assailants; but not so Alexis.