The others accepted the invitation, first discarding their heavy outer garments.  When all appeared comfortable, the big Cossack spoke.

“Now,” he said, addressing Hal, “tell me of Alexis.  He is—­”

“Dead,” Hal interrupted quietly.

Ivan sprang to his feet.

“Dead!” he shouted.  “And you dare to tell it to me?  You, no doubt, had a hand in his death!”

“On the contrary,” returned the lad quietly, “I tried to save him, as did my chum; but it was too late.  But he died like a brave man and a true Cossack.”

Ivan was silent for several moments, and then said sneeringly: 

“And what do you know of the Cossacks?”

“Well, very little, to be sure,” Hal confessed, “though, for a short time, I had the honor of serving in a Cossack regiment.”

“What, you?” exclaimed Ivan incredulously.  “Impossible.”

“No; what I say is true,” said Hal.  “And it was there that I met your brother Alexis, than whom I have never seen a braver man.”

“’Tis true,” muttered Ivan.  “Alexis was ever a brave man, though much given to boasting.  Also, barring perhaps myself, he was the most powerful man I have ever seen.”

“He was indeed,” replied Hal, “and it will give me pleasure at some time to relate to you some of the remarkable feats I have seen him accomplish.”

“Alexis has related enough,” returned Ivan dryly.  “But come, now, tell me what you know of him.”

“Well,” Hal began, “I met Alexis first—­”

He stopped suddenly and listened attentively.

“What was that?” he demanded.

“What?” asked Edwards.

“I thought I heard a voice calling.  Sounded like a cry for help.”

Ivan broke into a loud laugh.

“Ho!  Ho!” he cried.  “Guess you heard my prisoners.”

“Prisoners?” Hal repeated inquiringly.

“Yes.  I came across them this afternoon.  They sought to ply me with questions.  I treated them respectfully enough, but when they continued to plague me, I just picked them up and brought them here.  I have a suspicion they may be Austrian spies and if there is one race of men for whom I have no use, it is the Austrians.  But they do not annoy you, do they?  If so, I shall go back and have a word with them.  After that I assure you they will annoy you no more.”

“Oh, no,” Hal hastened to say.  “They do not annoy me in the slightest.  But what do you intend to do with them?”

“Well, I don’t know exactly,” returned Ivan.  “You know I have read somewhat, and I remember the things I have read.  For instance now, I would like to be like one of the old kings, or say even a present-day American, of whom I have heard much.  They have slaves and things.  Why not make my prisoners my slaves?”

“I assure you you are wrong about the Americans,” said Hal.  “I chance to be one myself, so I know.  Of kings, I cannot say.”