Quickly Hal unloosened his friend's coat, tore open his shirt and examined his wound.
"It's only a scratch," he said, straightening up at last. "Here," pulling out his handkerchief, "I'll fix it up until we can have a surgeon look at it. You will be able to walk in a few minutes."
"I'm able right now," said Chester, struggling to his feet.
Leaning heavily on Hal's arm, Chester turned his eyes toward the river bank, which now was lined with British troops, who were firing steadily at forms disappearing on the opposite side of the stream. The approach of the English in force had caused the Germans to beat a rapid retreat. From the opposite shore, however, still came puffs of smoke, and bullets continued to fall among the English troops, and here and there men fell to the ground.
"They arrived just in time, didn't they, Hal?" said Chester.
"You bet they did," was the reply. "But come, we will try to make our way back to our station."
With Chester still leaning on his shoulder, Hal led the way, going very slowly because of his burden. Making his friend comfortable under an army wagon, Hal went at once to Gen. French to make his report.
"You have done well," was the general's only comment when Hal had concluded his recital.
"Guess I'll go back and keep Chester company," he said to himself.
He was walking slowly along with bowed head, musing, when he came suddenly into contact with another figure. The man with whom he had collided mumbled an imprecation and violently pushed the lad away, at the same time exclaiming:
"What do you mean by bumping into me like that? Can't you see where you are going? I have a notion to teach you better manners."
Hal's face flushed, and he turned a steady gaze on the other, who proved to be a French lieutenant.
"I wouldn't try it if I were you," the lad advised him.
"What!" exclaimed the Frenchman. "You dare to talk to me like that?"
"Of course I dare," was the lad's heated response.
The Frenchman took a quick step forward and slapped Hal smartly across the face.
Hal promptly sent his right fist crashing into the other's face and knocked him down.
The Frenchman rose slowly to his feet, and with blood streaming from his nose, approached Hal.
"I am Lieutenant Dupree," he said. "My friend shall call on you this evening."