Both boys looked at the giant Cossack with amazement written large upon their faces. From the first time that he had boasted to them, they had put him down as anything but a fighter, in spite of his huge size. But the quickness with which he had disposed of six men showed them that they had been wrong.
As they walked along, it was plain to the lads that something was troubling Alexis; and at last Hal was moved to ask:
“What’s the matter, Alexis?”
The huge Cossack looked at the lad for a moment, and then said:
“There is no use my telling you, but I will. I want to know what you meant by ‘drawing the long bow.’”
CHAPTER V.
ALEXIS IN BATTLE.
Both lads laughed heartily.
“You’ll learn before many days,” said Hal, “and I am not as sure as I was about it.”
“Nor I,” agreed Chester.