Although surprised at this attack, Hal was not caught completely off his
guard. With a single movement his own sword leaped from its scabbard and
parried the thrust of the German officer.

Chester took a sudden step forward to interfere, but Hal, perceiving his
friend's move out of the corner of his eye, cried out:

"Stand back, Chester. I'll dispose of this cowardly dog alone."

But the German was an accomplished swordsman, which Hal was not. True,
the lad had had some experience with the sword and had already fought one
successful duel; but, in spite of this, he was no match for the more
experienced German officer.

The German pressed the lad hard and, secure in the knowledge that he
would not be interfered with, he tried his best to run the lad through.
Fortunately, however, the lad's blade met his at every thrust. Tiring of
this, the German took a step backward, and, raising his sword, grasped it
by the point and hurled it at Hal.

The lad escaped being impaled only by a quick spring aside. The German
turned to flee, and as he did so, bumped squarely into Anthony Stubbs,
who accidentally barred his path at that moment. The two collided with a
crash, and were soon rolling about on the ground.

To attack the German officer had been farthest from Stubbs's mind; but
the German officer, believing that the little American had barred his
path purposely, struck out at him heavily. More by good fortune than
anything else, Stubbs evaded the blow by rolling quickly over, and as he