Page," called Dick Prescott. "But
look out for his injured ankle, sir."
This last caution was necessary, for the older man, in his eagerness
to embrace the lad whom he believed to be his son, almost crashed
into him.
"So you're my son---my boy, Egbert!" cried the father.
"That's the fairy tale that has been shied at me a good many times
lately," replied Tag gruffly.
Mr. Page fell back, in some astonishment, at this ungracious reception.
Then, understanding, and remembering Tag's unhappy past, he
patted the boy's shoulder.
"That's all right---all right, Egbert," declared the father.
"Perhaps the news has come upon you too suddenly. But you and
I will talk it over. It won't take us long to know each other,
my boy."
As the party came into camp it was noted that Mrs. Bentley and
the girls had withdrawn, returning, through delicacy, to their
own camp. Hazelton, thus released from guard duty at the other
camp, soon came running over.
But Dr. Bentley had slipped into the tent, quickly arranging one
of the cots with the skill of the hospital worker.
"Bring the young man in here," called the physician, appearing
in the doorway of the tent. "We'll soon find out how bad the
injury is."
Tag was lowered down upon the blanket.
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