Read "Under the Mikado's Flag" by Edward Stratemeyer online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
For the instant after he went down, Gilbert was too bewildered to do anything to save himself. The Russian lieutenant was so close the young American had no chance to dodge or roll out of the way.
But when the young captain was attacked by the three Russian privates, Ben saw the movement and lost no time in hurrying to his chum's assistance. He was just in time to meet the onslaught of the Russian lieutenant, and sword met sword in a clash which drew fire from both blades.