Alexis raised a threatening hand, but Hal stayed him.
“Quiet,” he whispered. “Some good may come of this if you obey me.”
Alexis subsided.
Hal approached Chester and whispered.
“Keep von Bernstrum in conversation while I have a word with Alexis.”
Chester did as Hal ordered, and the latter whispered to the big Cossack:
“Do you think you can whip this man?” pointing to von Bernstrum.
Alexis’ fingers twitched.
“Remember you are wounded, Alexis.”
“Try me,” he said simply.