boys,
used to balancing, and doing all sorts of stunts, to cross on those
treacherous little hummock paths, how in the wide world were they ever
going to get a wounded man out of this place?

He only hoped Mr. Anderson would prove to be the possessor of tenacious
will power, as well as a reserve fund of strength; he would certainly
have good need of both before he struck solid ground again, once the
return journey was begun.

"Well, while my chums are getting their breath after our little jaunt,
suppose you let me look at any cuts you've got, Mr. Anderson," he
suggested, first of all, in a business-like way that quite charmed the
aeronaut.

"What, you don't mean to tell me that you are something of a doctor as
well as a leader of scouts?" he remarked, with evident pleasure, as he
started to roll up one of the legs of his trousers, so as to expose his
bruised ankle.

"I know just a little about medicine, enough to make the other fellows
want me to take charge whenever they get hurt. Let me introduce my
friends, sir."

And accordingly Paul mentioned his own name, and then in turn that of
Andy, Babe, Jotham, Seth and Fritz; also stating that there were two
more in the patrol whom they had left stranded about half way out of the
swamp, to be picked up again on the return journey.

The pleased aeronaut shook hands heartily with each boy. He was
experiencing a delightful revulsion of feeling, for all of a sudden the
darkness had given way to broad daylight.

Paul on his part, after a superficial examination, was glad to find
there was really nothing serious the matter. He had feared lest he might
find a broken leg or even a few ribs fractured; but nothing of the kind
seemed to be the case.

It was true that Mr. Anderson had a lot of black and blue places upon
his person, and would doubtless feel pretty sore for some days to come,
but really Paul could not see why he should not be able to keep company
with his rescuers. He seemed to possess an uncommon share of grit; his
determined defense against the savage wildcat proved that plainly
enough; and on the whole, with what help the scouts might give on
occasion, there was a fair chance of his getting out of the swamp inside
of an hour or so.

"Now I'm ready to make a start, if you say the word," Paul observed,
when perhaps five minutes had passed.

The gentleman had been helped to his feet. Trying the injured leg, he
declared he believed he would be able to get al