of Belgian troops could be discerned--the outposts
guarding the town.

Chester let the mules slow down.

"That was some ride," he declared.

"You bet," was Hal's answer. "I thought we were gone that time, sure."

"Well, let's get out and walk the rest of the way," said Chester. "I have
had enough of this riding to last me a lifetime. The wagon jolted so much
I must be black and blue all over."

Chester stopped the mules, and the boys climbed to the ground; and, just
as they started to resume their walk, Hal sank suddenly to the ground!

CHAPTER XXI.

THROUGH WALLS OF FIRE.

Quickly Chester bent over his friend.

"Hal! Hal!" he cried in alarm, shaking him gently. "Tell me where you
are hurt!"

He laid his friend's body back gently; then for the first time he noticed
that blood flowed from a wound in Hal's side.

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."

"Weak! Great Scott! Even the surgeon is unable to see how you held out as
long as you did. You have had a mighty narrow escape, I can tell you