iser. Even now large masses of infantry
were being thrown forward to reenforce the troops already there.

Acclaimed on all hands, the Cossacks rode rapidly through the town and
went into camp at the side facing the Germans. Outposts were thrown out
and the Cossacks sat down to a day of waiting.

Having secured permission, Hal, Chester and Alexis walked back toward
the town. For several hours they strolled about, looking in the windows,
and purchasing several small articles.

The people of Lodz were serene in their belief that there was no danger
of a German invasion, in spite of the nearness of the foe. Shops and
stores, theaters and all buildings were gaily decorated, and thousands
promenaded the streets. The city was in festival attire.

"Looks like they were preparing for a celebration," Hal remarked to
Chester.

"I should say it does," the latter returned. "But it wouldn't take the
Germans long to wreck the town, if they once got here. You remember
Louvain?"

"Well, they won't get here," Alexis broke in. "One Cossack is always
good for ten Germans. Why, I remember----"

"Tell us later," Hal interrupted. "We want to look about a little now."

The three entered a store, where, Alexis' eye having been caught by a
red necktie, the Cossack purchased it. The necktie in his pocket, he
leaned over the counter and asked the salesman:

"Say, what does drawing the long bow mean?"

Hal and Chester burst into a loud guffaw, and the salesman, drawing
back, suddenly turned and disappeared.

A man in civilian garb, who stood nearby, also broke into a loud guffaw.
Alexis turned on him angrily.

"What are you laughing at?" he demanded.

"Why, I'm laughing at you," replied the man calmly. "What about it?"

Plainly Alexis was astonished at this reply. He drew back.

"Oh, I guess it's all right," he said pleasantly. "I wasn't sure, that's
all."

"And who are these children you have with you?" demanded the man.

Hal answered this question himself.

"None of your business," he said shortly.

"Is that so?" said the man, stepping forward. "What if I should make it
some of my business?"

Hal smiled.

"I don't think you will," he said quietly.

The man, large, though somewhat stout, with a red, evil-looking face,
stepped quickly forward, and tapped Hal lightly on the cheek with his
hand.

"Let that teach you not to talk back to your elders," he said.

"And let that teach you not to interfere in other people's bu