“Terrible!” he exclaimed. Then: “I wonder where Alexis is?” He turned to Marquis. “Find Alexis,” he commanded.
Marquis understood and trotted away. Chester and Hal now arose and walked slowly after him. At last Marquis, some distance away, set up a loud bark. Hal and Chester approached as rapidly as their exhausted condition would permit.
Marquis was standing directly over the body of the giant Cossack, surrounded by a circle of the enemies whom Alexis had slain in combat.
The giant stirred slightly as the boys approached. Quickly Hal bent over him and, raising his head upon his knee, placed the canteen to his lips.
This brought a sigh from Alexis’ lips, and soon he sat up and looked around.
“Well,” said he, waving his arm toward the circle of his fallen foes, “you can see what a Cossack does when he fights.”
“I see,” said Hal briefly. “But come, if you are able to walk. We had better get away from this spot. The battle is not over.”
Alexis objected.
“What, a Cossack run!” he demanded.
“But if we stay here we shall probably be killed,” replied Chester. “See,” pointing, “even now the Cossacks are retreating in the face of superior numbers. We must go.”