ts, now
backed into a corner; but they fought back with a desperation born of
despair. Three minutes later there was not a man standing on his feet.

Alexis rested the end of his club upon the ground, and leaning on it,
wiped the perspiration from his brow. Then, after a brief rest, he led
the way to the entrance to the cavern, barred by the great rock.

"Here," said Chester, "I am afraid, is where we stop. We do not know how
to open it."

Alexis pushed the lads aside and examined the rock. Then, without a
word, he dropped his club and put his shoulder to the boulder that
barred the exit. The first attempt made no impression. Taking a deep
breath, the giant tried again. Putting every ounce of his herculean
strength into this final effort, he exerted himself to the utmost.

Slowly the huge rock began to move. Slowly it began to swing outward.
Then, more rapidly, until, as the catch was released, it swung away back
on its hinges. Alexis, unable to recover his balance, fell forward on
his face. He was up in a moment, however, and the three darted from the
cavern.

For half a mile they sprinted, seeking to put as great a distance as
possible between themselves and the cavern before pausing for breath.
Then, suddenly, Alexis toppled over on the ground.

Hal dropped to his knees and gently raised the giant's head.

"Quick, Chester! Some water!" he cried.

Chester darted away, and soon returned with water in his cap. This Hal
sprinkled over the giant's face. His efforts were rewarded at length.
The color slowly returned, and Alexis heaved a deep sigh. Consciousness
was returning.

"Poor fellow," said Hal softly. "He has worn himself out."

"Yes," said Chester, "and had we not brought him along, we would still
be prisoners in the cavern, with our death only a question of days or
hours."

"True," said Hal. "And such strength," he added, "I never saw before."

"Nor do I ever expect to see again," said Chester.

Now Alexis stirred and groaned. Then he sat up.

"What has happened?" he demanded.

"Through your prowess and bravery," Hal made answer, "we have escaped."

Alexis jumped to his feet and patted himself on the chest.

"It is true," he said, "I am a brave man; and I am a strong man, am I
not?"

"There can be no question about either," replied Hal.

"Still," continued the giant, "all things considered, that was not such
a remarkable feat. Now I remember once----"

Chester interrupted.

"Come," he sa