Turning, he hurried back in the direction from which he had come.  Was it a premonition, or what?

As he turned the corner and the hospital came into view, a horrible scene met his eyes.

The hospital was afire!  A brilliant flame shot high into the air, and the smoke poured forth in a dense volume.  Even from where he stood Chester could see that one wall of the hospital had fallen.  It had crumbled under the shock of a German shell.

Chester dashed forward; nor did he pause or falter at the thought of the dangers he would encounter in the burning building, but ran rapidly up the steps and plunged into the dense cloud of smoke and the sheet of flame.

His sense of direction stood him in good stead now.  Almost stifled, his hands and face scorched by the intense heat, he ran up the stairs.  At the top, where the air was somewhat clearer, he paused for a moment for breath, then dashed for the room where he knew Hal lay.

Hal was sitting on the edge of the bed when Chester burst into the room.  He had noted the first signs of smoke, and had attempted to rise, but the effort was beyond him.  There was not another soul in the room.

He looked up as Chester rushed in.

“I am afraid I can’t make it,” he said, in a faint voice.

“We have got to make it,” replied Chester quickly.  “Can you walk at all?”

Hal shook his head.

“I tried to,” he said, “but I can hardly stand on my feet.”

“Put your arm about my shoulder!” commanded Chester.

“It’s no use,” said Hal.  “You can’t possibly carry me out, and we shall both perish.  Save yourself while you have time!”

“No more talk like that,” commanded Chester, in a stern voice.  “We go or stay together.”

“But we cannot do it,” replied Hal.  “Alone you may make it; but with me you are certain to perish.  Go!”

“Will you do as I tell you peaceably, or must I use force?” demanded Chester.  “If you don’t obey me, so help me, I will knock you cold and then carry you out.  Come, which shall it be?”

“Have your own way, then,” said Hal.

Chester stooped over and Hal put his arm about his neck; then, lifting him up in his arms, Chester staggered through the doorway, and to the staircase.

But, as he was about to put his foot on the first step, there was a terrible rumble and roar, and the steps crashed downward.  The supports had been burned away.

By a mighty effort Chester regained his balance, and the two lads were saved from death in the smoking ruins below by a hair’s breadth.  Turning, Chester rushed toward a window and looked out.  It was a long drop to the ground below, and he saw no help in sight.

“I told you it was no use,” said Hal.  “Let me go, and save yourself!”

Chester did not reply, but laid his chum gently on the floor.  Then he dashed into the next room, returning in a moment with several sheets.