CHAPTER VII.

NEW FRIENDS.


The big man paused and turned an enquiring eye upon Hal, whom he could
dimly perceive in the darkness.

"Alexis!" he echoed. "What of him? How do you know I have a
brother Alexis?"

Hal replied rapidly in the Russian dialect which he had picked up during
his service with the Cossacks, as told in the story of "The Boy Allies
With the Cossacks," while the man listened intently. Then the giant set
the dwarf upon his feet remarking:

"Now, you just stay there a little while. I may have more to say to you
later, but right now I would know something of my brother Alexis, whom I
have not seen in years. And my brother Stephan, also, what do you know of
him?" he demanded of Hal.

The lad shook his head.

"Not much," he said. "But come, we'll find some spot where we can make a
fire and I'll tell you what I know of Alexis."

"Good," boomed the big man. "Follow me."

Without another word he turned on his heel and strode away whence he
had come. The other four followed him, Nikol the while muttering