, struck in a vital
spot, staggered. The 'plane began to sink slowly. In vain did Hal try to
check the descent. The machine, still heading slightly toward the north,
glided toward the water below.

Suddenly Hal made out something below besides water. It was land. The
lad breathed easier, for it was plain, that at the rate at which the
craft was sinking, it could clear the water by a good quarter of a mile,
beyond which the lad could see a sandy coast.

"It must be the coast of Sweden or Denmark," he said to himself, "in
which event we are safe, for it is neutral ground."

The Germans, realizing that their foe was sinking, did not waste another
shot on it, but swarmed after. Now the craft was close to the water.
Gently it skimmed over it, across a short stretch of sand, and then
settled slowly to the ground.

Hal and Chester glanced about. There was no one in sight on the sandy
beach and the Germans were coming right after them.

"Even though this be Sweden," said Hal, "unless Swedish troops come to
our aid, the Germans are likely to violate the neutrality of the country
and take us anyhow."

"Not without a fight," declared Alexis. "Let me get my feet on the
ground again, and I will show you such a fight as you never saw. On the
ground I can fight."

Now the 'plane was but a few scant yards from the earth. It grounded
with a shock.

CHAPTER XXIX.

THE DEATH OF A TITAN.

Quickly the three leaped out. In spite of the Germans hovering overhead,
Hal examined the 'plane.

"Great Scott!" he exclaimed, after a quick, though careful, inspection.
"I can fix this thing in five minutes."

Now the German machines came to the ground a short distance away. From
each craft leaped three men, who dashed toward the three friends.

Alexis turned to Hal and Chester.

"Do you," he said calmly, "fix up the airship. I will meet these
fellows!"

Before either lad could reply, he had hurled himself upon the foe.

For some reason, probably because they did not wish to attract the
attention of the Swedish authorities by the sounds of a struggle, the
Germans, at first, drew no firearms. Perceiving but one form rushing
toward them, they advanced to meet him confidently. Plainly they
considered it the wild dash of a madman.

Hal and Chester turned their attention to the aeroplane, and while
Alexis fought against overwhelming numbers, they overhauled it
carefully.

Right into the midst of his foes rushed the giant. Suc