The Russians froze for a second, surprised by Ira's sudden appearance, then swiftly the smaller of the two men stepped forward in a crouch, ready to spring at Ira, while the quick-thinking taller man made a bold move. "Help - robber, thief!" he yelled.

Ira was going to take a step forward to deal with the threat of the smaller man when he heard a shout from behind him, "Hey, you! Whadaya doin?"

"Please, help us!" cried the taller of the two Russians, pleading. ...