Leaning heavily on Hal’s arm, Chester turned his eyes toward the river bank, which now was lined with British troops, who were firing steadily at forms disappearing on the opposite side of the stream.  The approach of the English in force had caused the Germans to beat a rapid retreat.  From the opposite shore, however, still came puffs of smoke, and bullets continued to fall among the English troops, and here and there men fell to the ground.

“They arrived just in time, didn’t they, Hal?” said Chester.

“You bet they did,” was the reply.  “But come, we will try to make our way back to our station.”

With Chester still leaning on his shoulder, Hal led the way, going very slowly because of his burden.  Making his friend comfortable under an army wagon, Hal went at once to Gen. French to make his report.

“You have done well,” was the general’s only comment when Hal had concluded his recital.

Hal saluted and left.

“Guess I’ll go back and keep Chester company,” he said to himself.

He was walking slowly along with bowed head, musing, when he came suddenly into contact with another figure.  The man with whom he had collided mumbled an imprecation and violently pushed the lad away, at the same time exclaiming: 

“What do you mean by bumping into me like that?  Can’t you see where you are going?  I have a notion to teach you better manners.”

Hal’s face flushed, and he turned a steady gaze on the other, who proved to be a French lieutenant.

“I wouldn’t try it if I were you,” the lad advised him.

“What!” exclaimed the Frenchman.  “You dare to talk to me like that?”

“Of course I dare,” was the lad’s heated response.

The Frenchman took a quick step forward and slapped Hal smartly across the face.

Hal promptly sent his right fist crashing into the other’s face and knocked him down.

The Frenchman rose slowly to his feet, and with blood streaming from his nose, approached Hal.

“I am Lieutenant Dupree,” he said.  “My friend shall call on you this evening.”

“I am Hal Paine, attached to the staff of General French,” Hal said calmly, “and your friend may call any time he so desires.”

The Frenchman bowed stiffly, and continued on his way.  Hal returned to Chester.

“Back so soon?” said Chester.

“Yes,” was Hal’s reply; “and back with more trouble.”

“What’s the matter?” demanded Chester in some consternation.

“Well, I am afraid I have a duel on my hands.”

“A duel?”

“Yes; on my way here I accidentally bumped into some fiery French lieutenant.  He slapped me across the face and I knocked him down.  He then informed me his friend would call on me this evening.  That sounds like a duel to me.”

“Yes,” said Chester, “unless it can be patched up.”

“I am afraid it can’t.  You know these Frenchmen.  As far as I am concerned, there is nothing to fight about, but I am afraid the Frenchman feels he has a grievance.  He’ll probably demand a fight or an apology.”