id, taking Alexis by the arm, "we must get away from here.
The story can wait."

Alexis subsided without further words, and the three continued on their
way.

"The thing to do now," said Hal, "is to get back to Lodz as quickly as
we can. With luck, we should make it in four days."

"Yes," agreed Chester, "we have learned what we set out to learn. There
is no use delaying."

The attention of all three was at that moment attracted by the sound of
galloping horses, nearby. The hoof beats were coming toward them. Alexis
sprang to action.

"We must have horses," he said in a hoarse whisper. "Otherwise we will
be weeks getting back. We will take these."

"How?" demanded both lads in a single voice.

"Follow me," commanded the giant.

Breaking into a quick run he hurried along the road to where it curved
sharply. Here they could not be seen by the approaching riders until
they actually met.

Alexis took his stand in the center of the road, motioning for the boys
to take positions, one on each side of the road. Then all stood waiting.

The hoof beats drew nearer, and then the horses came trotting round the
bend.

"Only three! Good!" Hal muttered to himself unconsciously.

The riders were right upon Alexis before they realized that their way
was blocked. They quickly drew rein and attempted to check their
animals; but it was too late. Alexis had two of the horses by the
bridles, and pushing them back on their haunches by main strength,
succeeded in unseating the riders.

Hal and Chester pounced upon the two unhorsed men, and had their weapons
before they could make a move to defend themselves. Alexis, still
holding to the two horses, called upon the lads to cover the third
rider, who seemed about to make a dash for liberty.

Hal was quick to obey.

"One move," he said quietly, as he pointed his newly-acquired revolver
squarely at the third man, "and you are a dead man."

The latter raised his hands above his head. While Hal kept him covered,
Chester advanced and relieved him of his weapons. Then he ordered him to
dismount.

Alexis now approached with the other two horses, one of which he turned
over to Chester. Hal took the third horse.

"We are sorry to be forced to do this," said Hal to the men whose horses
they had appropriated, "but necessity knows no law. We need these
animals worse than you do; therefore, we take them."

"We are thankful," said one of the men, "that you have spared our
lives."