Hal. Quickly he sprang to where the lad
lay and poked his cold muzzle into the boy's face.

Hal turned feebly on his side and put out a hand before he realized what
had touched him. Then he succeeded in raising himself on one arm and
threw the other around Marquis' neck.

"Marquis!" he almost sobbed. "Where is Chester?"

Apparently the dog understood his question, for he jumped away and began
nosing other bodies nearby. And at last he came upon Chester. The latter
also was returning to consciousness. With some difficulty Hal staggered
to his feet and made his way to his friend's side. He turned to Marquis.

"Get some water!" he commanded, and paused to see if the dog understood.

Marquis bounded away, and returned a few moments later with a
well-filled canteen, in his mouth. Hastily Hal removed the stopper and
poured some of the water down Chester's throat. Then he took a drink
himself.

Thus refreshed, Chester sat up and looked around. Hal did the same. It
was indeed a terrible sight that met their eyes. As far as they could
see, bodies of dead and wounded men lay scattered about. Hal shuddered.

"Terrible!" he exclaimed. Then: "I wonder where Alexis is?" He turned to
Marquis. "Find Alexis," he commanded.

Marquis understood and trotted away. Chester and Hal now arose and
walked slowly after him. At last Marquis, some distance away, set up a
loud bark. Hal and Chester approached as rapidly as their exhausted
condition would permit.

Marquis was standing directly over the body of the giant Cossack,
surrounded by a circle of the enemies whom Alexis had slain in combat.

The giant stirred slightly as the boys approached. Quickly Hal bent over
him and, raising his head upon his knee, placed the canteen to his lips.

This brought a sigh from Alexis' lips, and soon he sat up and looked
around.

"Well," said he, waving his arm toward the circle of his fallen foes,
"you can see what a Cossack does when he fights."

"I see," said Hal briefly. "But come, if you are able to walk. We had
better get away from this spot. The battle is not over."

Alexis objected.

"What, a Cossack run!" he demanded.

"But if we stay here we shall probably be killed," replied Chester.
"See," pointing, "even now the Cossacks are retreating in the face of
superior numbers. We must go."

"I don't----" began Alexis, but Hal interrupted him.

"Come on," he said, taking him by the arm. "Let's move away from here."

Grumbling and pro