t breath of pure relief and advanced. He was within ten
feet of the German officer, when the latter suddenly sprang forward. His
sword again leaped forth, and he made a furious thrust at the lad.

Although surprised at this attack, Hal was not caught completely off his
guard. With a single movement his own sword leaped from its scabbard and
parried the thrust of the German officer.

Chester took a sudden step forward to interfere, but Hal, perceiving his
friend's move out of the corner of his eye, cried out:

"Stand back, Chester. I'll dispose of this cowardly dog alone."

But the German was an accomplished swordsman, which Hal was not. True,
the lad had had some experience with the sword and had already fought one
successful duel; but, in spite of this, he was no match for the more
experienced German officer.

The German pressed the lad hard and, secure in the knowledge that he
would not be interfered with, he tried his best to run the lad through.
Fortunately, however, the lad's blade met his at every thrust. Tiring of
this, the German took a step backward, and, raising his sword, grasped it
by the point and hurled it at Hal.

The lad escaped being impaled only by a quick spring aside. The German
turned to flee, and as he did so, bumped squarely into Anthony Stubbs,
who accidentally barred his path at that moment. The two collided with a
crash, and were soon rolling about on the ground.

To attack the German officer had been farthest from Stubbs's mind; but
the German officer, believing that the little American had barred his
path purposely, struck out at him heavily. More by good fortune than
anything else, Stubbs evaded the blow by rolling quickly over, and as he
did so his right hand accidentally descended upon the German's face.

Stubbs was as greatly surprised as was his opponent, but the latter
became furiously angry.

"Hit me, will you!" he cried.

"I didn't do it on purpose!" exclaimed Stubbs, greatly alarmed by the
anger of the German.

Quickly he rolled over again, once more escaping by a hair's breadth a
heavy blow of the German's fist. Then he arose quickly and started to
run; but the German was close behind him.

Realizing that he could not possibly outrun his opponent, Stubbs turned
suddenly and dived at the German's legs, crying out as he did so:

"Help! Help! Anthony, you will be killed."

His sudden maneuver had taken the German by surprise, and again the two
rolled over and over upon