Alexis placed his right hand across the German’s shoulders and caught him firmly and the boys saw by the expression on his face that he was not certain of the outcome. The German had not boasted in vain. He was indeed a giant.
“If ever men felt the joy of battle, these two do,” exclaimed Hal to Chester.
The two men were now gripped in a tight embrace. Von Bernstrum felt Alexis over carefully, but gave him no opening.
“A man’s chest,” he grunted.
Alexis so far had uttered no word. Now he perceived that his opponent was preparing for the loin throw and prepared himself to meet it. When he had foiled this attack, he held his opponent for a moment at a disadvantage.
Alexis gripped von Bernstrum for a hug. Had the German been a weaker man, his ribs must have cracked; but he had caught deep breath, and the Cossack might as well have tried to crush a tree.
“A good try!” muttered the German.
He now tested Alexis sorely. He tried a cross hitch, but failed. At this, a smile broke out on Alexis’ face.
Both lads, who had been watching the struggle nervously, now grew confident. It was evident that the Cossack hoped for victory.
At last Alexis saw his chance. In getting the grip he wanted, it was necessary for him to face the danger of putting himself in his opponent’s power; but the Cossack ventured to do this, for he realized that by no other means could he throw him. Von Bernstrum saw his opponent’s move and took advantage of it, and for a moment Alexis was afraid it was all over with him.