zed my side. I don't know how I came to topple over like that."

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.

Hal saluted and left.

"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."

"I am Hal Paine, attached to the staff of Gener