But he still held his ground. Von Bernstrum’s grip grew weaker at last, and the boys could hear him panting like a dog. Hal spoke to Chester.
“I believe he realizes that Alexis will master him,” he exclaimed in a whisper.
Chester nodded in assent.
Now Alexis put all the strength of his mighty shoulders, back and loins into a mighty heave, and Freiderich von Bernstrum, giant though he was, went flying across the room, his head striking the floor with a terrible thud.
For a moment the lads were afraid Alexis had killed him; but for a moment only. Calmly Alexis put on his shoes and donned his coat. Then he turned to his young friends and waited. His attitude said as plain as words:
“I have done the fighting. You do the rest.”
Quickly Hal stooped over the fallen man and took a bunch of keys from his pocket. Then, straightening up, he approached the door, opened it and peered out. There was no one in sight.
Hal turned to Alexis.
“Change clothes with him,” he whispered, motioning to the fallen German.
Hastily Alexis obeyed. In spite of the fact that von Bernstrum was almost two inches taller than Alexis, the height of the latter was so great that Hal believed the difference would not be noticed.