g ground and then recovering it. Alexis, by a quick sidestep,
avoided a fierce thrust, and stepped forward to put an end to the
encounter. In his haste he slipped, and slid to the deck.

With a fierce, guttural cry of satisfaction, the German stepped forward,
raised his sword and would have plunged it into his opponent's breast;
but Alexis was too quick for him. With his bare hand he seized the naked
blade aimed at him and clung to it. In vain did the German try to draw
his sword through the Cossack's hand. Alexis' mighty grip held it
easily.

Now, putting forth greater exertion, by the aid of the weapon to which
he clung, Alexis dragged himself to his feet. In vain did the German
commander wrench at the sword. He could not free it. He at length gave
up the idea, dropped the sword and leaped back.

As Alexis, now firm upon his feet once more, took a step forward, the
German commander turned and ran toward a rack of rifles. Alexis did not
take time to reverse the weapon he still held by the point. Raising it
high above his head, he carefully gauged the distance, and let fly. The
sword went hurtling through the air, turning once in its flight. Alexis'
aim was true, and the point of the weapon pierced the German commander
squarely between the shoulder blades. He threw up his hands and fell
forward on his face.

Alexis turned and surveyed the battle.

The Germans had been pressed back by the Russians, led by Hal and
Chester, until now they were fighting desperately on the stern of the
vessel. Alexis dashed forward to take part in this fray; but the
Germans, having witnessed the death of their commander, had lost heart.
Perceiving the giant form rushing down upon them, they threw down their
arms as one man. Some turned quickly and leaped overboard into the river
and struck out for the shore, while others stood quietly waiting to be
bound by their captors. The battle was over.

Immediately the commander of the Russian steamer ordered his men and the
prisoners back aboard his own ship. Then he turned to Hal and Chester.

"As you have taken such a prominent part in this victory," he said, "I
will allow you to finish the work by blowing up the enemy. You will
attach a fuse to the magazine and then hurry back here, that we may
reach safety before the explosion."

The two lads saluted, and made their way to the magazine of the German
vessel. Here they quickly attached a fuse, and lighted it. Then they
hurried aboard the R