crumpled up and fell to the ground. The ball had
pierced his throat. But life was not extinct. Marquis struggled to his
feet, and dragged himself toward Hal and Chester, who, having seen him
fall, dashed toward him.

Gently Chester lifted Marquis' heavy weight up in his arms, holding him
so that the blood would not flow so rapidly from the gaping wound in his
throat. Marquis looked up into the lad's face, and uttered a low,
painful bark. His tail wagged.

Quickly the lads hurried back to Alexis and as quickly sought out a
surgeon. Chester laid Marquis gently on the ground, and the surgeon bent
over him. After a brief examination he arose and shook his head.

"No hope," he said quietly. "The bullet pierced his jugular vein."

"Isn't there something you can do?" pleaded Chester, tears streaming
down his face.

The surgeon shook his head sadly.

"Nothing," he said, and hurried away.

Chester picked Marquis up again, and followed by Hal and Alexis, made
his way toward the rear, where the troops were more scattered, and where
there was none to bother them. Hal drew off his coat, and Chester laid
the dog on it.

Marquis did not whimper. He, as well as his three friends, seemed to
know that death was not far off, and he was prepared to meet the end
bravely, as a soldier-dog should. He turned slightly and licked
Chester's hand that lay upon his head. Chester patted him gently, but he
was beyond words.

Alexis extended a huge hand and softly stroked the dog's soft body.

"Poor fellow!" he said to himself.

Marquis' keen ears caught these words, and he turned feebly toward the
giant Cossack, and strained slightly toward him. At the same time he
slowly raised a paw. Chester saw the movement.

"He wants to shake hands with you, Alexis," he said brokenly.

The giant drew nearer, and gravely took Marquis' right paw in his great
hand. Once, twice, three times he shook it gently, then laid it upon the
ground and turned away. Marquis moved restlessly, and uttered a short
bark. He was trying to see Hal, who was kneeling behind him.

Hal arose and came around. To him also Marquis extended his paw, and Hal
grasped it and pressed it. Then, shifting his position slightly, the dog
also extended the paw to Chester. He seemed to know well that the end
was swiftly approaching, and he wished to shake hands with all his
friends before he passed away.

Now the three gathered about the head of their dying friend. Alexis
clenched