There was a twinkle in Ivan’s eye as he surveyed his fallen foe.

“Some fighter, that fellow,” he said.  “I didn’t believe he had it in him.  But I would have had him sooner if he hadn’t fooled me.”

“You certainly would,” said Hal.  “You see, Ivan, that’s your trouble.  You know nothing of boxing.  Had you been, a boxer you could have polished him off easily.”

“There is no science to using your fists,” said Ivan decidedly.  “The only thing is to hit your opponent before he hits you.”

“True enough,” said Chester, “and that’s where skill plays a part.  For instance now, I suppose I could keep you from ever touching me, big as you are, and I venture to say I could land upon you almost at will, though possibly not hard enough to put you out.  You’re too big for that.”

“Ho!  Ho!” laughed Ivan gleefully.  “Hear the little fellow talk.  Why, you couldn’t even lay a finger on me.  I would just hold out one of my long arms and you couldn’t get near me.”

Chester smiled.

“It sounds easy enough,” he said.  “But take my word for it, I know what I am talking about.”

“Well, show me,” said Ivan.

“I will some time,” was the reply.  “Right now we’ll have to tie Nicolas up and finish our sleep.”

But when Nicolas had been safely secured, Ivan declared that he would not go to sleep until he had proven to Chester just how easy it would be to handle him.

“Well, all right, then,” said Chester, “I’ll show you.  But remember, don’t you crack me too hard if you do happen to land.”

Chester placed himself quickly in an attitude of defense, left arm extended slightly, right arm well back.  Crouching slightly and treading on his toes, he stepped lightly around Ivan, who, with arms wide, waited for him to come in.

Chester feinted quickly with his left and brought his right forward as he stepped in close.  The right fist bumped the giant’s chin gently, for Chester had not struck hard.  A moment later his left landed almost in the same spot, a trifle harder, and he escaped Ivan’s rush and wild swing by side-stepping nimbly.

There was a puzzled expression on Ivan’s face as he followed the lad about the cavern, Chester dancing nimbly first to this side and then that.  Once the lad let the giant come close, and when he swung, Chester jerked his head aside sharply and the blow passed over his shoulder.

Quickly then Chester stepped forward and with his open left palm smacked Ivan smartly across the left cheek.  He performed a similar operation with his right; then stepped back and dropped his hands.

“Well?” he said, eying Ivan inquiringly.

“Well, you did it,” said Ivan, greatly crestfallen.  “How, I don’t know.  Will you teach me?”

“Some time,” said Chester.  “Now, let’s finish that sleep.”

CHAPTER XII.

A chase.