In vain did Chester try to bring his chum back to consciousness. The boy
lay like one dead. Finally, seeing that his efforts to revive his
companion were useless, Chester picked him up in his arms, and in this
manner started for the town.
By pure grit Chester succeeded in carrying his burden to the Belgian
outposts, where he turned him over to a Red Cross surgeon.
"Is he badly hurt?" the boy demanded, as the surgeon arose from examining
his chum's wound. "Will he live?"
"It is dangerous," was the reply. "But I think he will come around all
right presently. But he has had a narrow escape. One inch higher up and
the bullet would have pierced his heart. He must be taken to the
hospital. He must have proper attention."
Leaving his chum in good hands, Chester made his way to General Givet's
tent, where he gave him the message the boys had gone through so much to
deliver safely. Then he went to the hospital. He was permitted to see his
friend at once.
Deathly pale, but with a smile on his face, Hal greeted his friend.
Chester sprang forward and grasped his hand.
"Are you all right, old fellow?" he asked eagerly.
"Fit as a fiddle," was the faint reply.
"Why didn't you tell me you were wounded?"
"To tell the truth, I didn't know it myself until just as I stepped from
the wagon. I can't remember when the bullet hit me, but I suppose it was
when the Germans fired through the side of the wagon. But it was weak of
me to give way as I did.
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