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.