Free subgroups of every finite rank in the free product of Z and C2

Let $G=⟨x,y\mid y^2=1⟩$. For each $n\ge 2$, a free basis of a subgroup of rank $n$ isA covering-space proof uses $r=n-1$ spheres double-covering the real projective plane, with antipodal points $a_j,b_j$ over the wedge point. Add lifted $x$ edges in a cyclic order through the $a_j$, and an $x$ loop at each $b_j$. This is a connected $2r$-sheeted cover of a circle wedged with a projective plane. After collapsing one connecting arc in each simply connected sphere, its fundamental group is that of a graph with $r$ vertices and $2r$ edges, hence free of rank $r+1$.

A spanning tree along the first $r-1$ cyclic edges gives the displayed words: the closing cycle is $x^r$, and the loop reached through $a_j,b_j$ is $x^{j}yxy{x}^{-j}$. Injectivity of the induced fundamental-group map of a covering map proves they form a free basis in $G$.