t chestnut boughs was violently agitated.

"Why, it's only goats," muttered Punch angrily. "I scared them by
jumping up. Wish I had got one of their young uns here."

"What is it? Who's that? You, Punch?"

"Yes, comrade; it's all right. But how are you? All right?"

"Yes--no. I have been asleep and dreaming. What does it all mean,
Punch? What's the matter with my leg?"

"Can't you recollect, comrade?"

Pen was silent for a few moments, and then: "Yes," he said softly, "I
understand now. I was hurt. Why, it's morning! I haven't been to
sleep all the night, have I?"

"Yes, comrade, and,"--Punch hesitated for a moment, and then with an
effort--"so have I."

"I am glad of it," sighed Pen.

Then he winced, for he had made an effort to rise, but sank back again,
feeling faint.

"Help me, Punch," he said.

"Whatcher want?"

"To sit up with my back against the tree."

Punch hesitated, and then obeyed.

"Ah, that's better," sighed Pen. "I am not much hurt."

"Oh yes, you are," said Punch, shaking his head.

"Nonsense! I recollect all about it now. Can you get me some water?"

"I'll try," was the reply; "but can you really sit up like that?"

"Yes, of course. We shall be able to go on again soon."

"Wha-at!" cried Punch. "Oh yes, I dare say! You can't go on. But I
know what I am going to do. If the French are gone I am going to hunt
round till I find one of them cottages. There must be one somewhere
about, because I just started some goats. And look there! Why, of
course there must be some people living near here." And the boy pointed
to a dozen or so of pigs busily rooting about amongst the dead leaves of
the forest, evidently searching for chestnuts and last year's acorns
shed by the evergreen oaks.

"Now, look here," continued the boy. "Soon as I am sure that you can
sit up and wait, I am just off to look out for some place where I can
carry you."

"I can sit up," replied Pen. "I have got a nasty wound that will take
some time to heal; but it's nothing to mind, Punch, for it's the sort of
thing that will get well without a doctor. But you must find shelter or
beg shelter for us till I can tramp again."

"But I can carry yer, comrade."

"A little way perhaps. There, don't stop to talk. Go and do the best
you can."

"But is it safe to leave you?" protested Punch.

"Yes; there is nothing to mind, unless some of the French fellows find
me."

"That does it, then," said