' regiment was stationed near the center of the long line of
battle. Preparations for a movement of some sort were being made on all
sides. Troops were being hurried here and there, and officers dashed
hither and yon. Occasionally the men burst into song; while from the
German trenches came the chanting of the "Watch on the Rhine." The men
of both armies were making the best of the situation, and seemed
reasonably happy.

From his pocket one of the Russian officers now produced a pack of
cards. Alexis, invited to take a hand, consented, but Hal and Chester
refused.

"What's the matter?" demanded the officer. "Are you too good to play
cards?"

"Not a bit," smiled Hal. "We simply don't care to play, that's all. We
do play occasionally, for pastime, but we don't gamble."

"Don't gamble!" exclaimed the officer. "How can you play cards if you
don't gamble. Come on now, we need two more players."

"No," said Hal, decidedly. "We shall have to ask you to excuse us."

Even Alexis glanced at the lads in astonishment. Plainly this was beyond
his comprehension, as gambling among the Cossacks is an ordinary
pastime. But the other officer was not satisfied. He arose and came
directly up to Hal.

"You must play with us," he said.

"I am sorry," replied Hal, "but we do not care to play."

"Afraid, eh?" said the Russian.

"No," replied Hal, "we are not afraid. We simply don't care to play."

"You are cowards," said the Russian, and jostled Hal with his shoulder.

Hal stood his ground and refused to be pushed aside. The Russian reached
out a thumb and finger and pulled Hal's nose. Then he staggered back,
for Hal had sent his fist crashing against his chest.

Quickly the Russian officer drew his sword and sprang upon the lad, who
also drew his weapon and stood on guard. But now Alexis leaped to his
feet, and his own sword struck up the weapons of the others.

"Enough of this," he said sternly. "Put up your swords."

"I have no desire to fight," replied Hal calmly.

"I know you haven't," sneered the Russian. "You are afraid. But I demand
satisfaction for that blow."

"Well," said Alexis, "if you must fight, let it be with fists."

"Any way suits me," said the Russian.

"If he insists on a fight, I am willing to give it to him," said Hal,
and quickly threw off his coat.

The Russian also discarded his heavy coat, and the two squared off. It
was perfectly plain to Hal that the Russian, although considerably
larger th