Panting, Chester rode to Hal's side.
"I was afraid we would be too late!" he exclaimed.
"I am not even scratched," returned Hal, grasping his friend's hand.
A Belgian officer hurried up to Captain Derevaux.
"You have this lad to thank for our opportune arrival," he declared,
indicating Chester. "He told us of your plight, or we would not have
arrived in time."
The captain grasped Chester's hand.
"You saved the day!" he said simply.
CHAPTER XIV.
A DANGEROUS MISSION.
Chester was embarrassed.
"I did nothing," he said. "I only rode fast."
The hurrahs of the men who heard him drowned his words.
"The general will think differently," returned the captain.
"How does it happen you arrived so opportunely, Chester?" asked Hal.
"It's very simple. I was returning from my mission, and was riding
between you and the outposts. I heard firing and rode forward to see what
was going on. I saw how things were with you. Even from where I was I
thought I could recognize you in the front rank.
"At first I thought I would ride directly toward you, but then I knew
that I could be of greater service by hurrying back and summoning aid.
When I told the general of your perilous position, he acted at once, and
I came with the reinforcements. That's all there is to it. You, Hal, are
the one deserving of praise."
"And I shall see that he is rewarded for it!" exclaimed the captain. "But
your gallant conduct also shall be made known.
Pages:
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108