He hurried forward and bent over his chum. At the same moment Chester opened his eyes and smiled up at him feebly.
"Hello," he said; "where's our friend?"
"Gone," replied Hal briefly, raising Chester's head to his knee. "How do you feel?"
"A little rocky, and that's a fact," was the reply.
"What did he bump you over with—gun?"
"No; fist."
"I don't see any marks."
"I feel 'em," said Chester, rubbing his chin ruefully. "He landed an uppercut that was a beauty."
"I am glad you are well enough to appreciate it," said Hal, with a slight smile. "He was big enough to have put you out for keeps."
"I'm not to be gotten rid of so easily," returned Chester. "Help me up."