“I,” said the newcomer, striking himself a hard blow on the chest, “am Freiderich von Bernstrum, brother of Heinrich von Bernstrum, commander of this fortress, and I am kept cooped up here while there is fighting to be done–me, Freiderich von Bernstrum, a real fighter!”
“Hm-m-m,” muttered Hal to himself as he glanced keenly at Alexis. “Two of a kind.”
Alexis moved restlessly as the big German made this boast. It was plain to both lads that, while he might like to brag himself, he did not relish hearing another do so.
“Yes,” continued von Bernstrum, “I would go to the front. But my brother, he would stay here. You see,” and the talkative German leaned closer to the lads, “he has a fair captive in the tower above, and he seeks to marry her.”
“And who is she?” demanded Hal.
“I will mention no names,” replied the German. “Enough that she is a Russian countess.”
Alexis jumped to his feet and advanced upon the big German.
“You have dared to lay a hand upon a Russian lady?” he demanded.
The German eyed him amusedly.
“And what of it?” he demanded. “However, you need have no fear. She prefers me, and I shall take her away from him.”