Stubbs drew himself up majestically.

"What do you mean by that?" he demanded in a ruffled tone.

"Oh, nothing," said Chester, smiling.

"If you mean to insinuate that I was afraid--" began Stubbs in an
injured tone.

"What!" interrupted Chester. "You afraid, Mr. Stubbs? You do me an
injustice, I assure you. Why, I have seen you fight, Mr. Stubbs. Now, do
you, by any chance, remember your battle with three wildcats?"

"I do," said Stubbs, considerably pleased. He turned to Nikol. "Did I
ever tell you about that fight?" he asked.

Nikol shook his head and eyed the little war correspondent with interest.

"Well, I did," continued Stubbs. "It was in Belgium. Three of the beasts
attacked me in the dark and gave me a terrific struggle. But I killed
them all, as these two boys can tell you."

Nikol was all smiles. He was glad that the man who had conquered him was
such a royal gladiator.

"And you were not hurt?" he asked.

"Oh, nothing to speak of," said Stubbs, modestly. "A few scratches.
Nothing serious."