"Guess one or more are broken," he said. "I don't profess to be a doctor, but I should say that it's nothing out of the way. The loss of blood has caused him to faint. Now, then, along with the basin."
He took a piece of lint, and utilizing it as a sponge, bathed the wound. Then he applied dressings and a bandage. By this time Gerald was showing signs of regaining consciousness; he was promptly carried to a bunk, Hal remaining by his side.
Meanwhile the Hudson and her consorts were running out of the bay, through the narrow and dangerous channel. They left the town of Cardenas in disorder, fires having broken out in some of the buildings. Outside the barrier they hove to, and the wounded and killed, numbering six in all, were then transferred from the Winslow to the Hudson.
"We're off to Key West, in Florida," said the lieutenant, coming down to speak to Hal. "How's the youngster?"
"Better, I'm thankful to say," was the answer. "He is conscious, and can speak, but I've ordered him to be silent."
"That is the best way, I reckon. Keep him so till we can get him to hospital. That'll be by daybreak to-morrow."
Running at full steam, the Hudson made light of the journey to Florida, and early on the following morning Gerald was slung into a launch and conveyed ashore. Hal accompanied him, and having handed him over to the tender care of a nurse, sauntered into the town. Flags were flying everywhere, and the streets were thronged with townspeople and shipping folk, all of them wearing miniature American flags in their buttonholes.
"What has occurred to cause all the excitement?" Hal asked of a man who was seated outside a restaurant.
"And don't yer know?" was the astonished answer. "Reckon America has knocked spots off the Dons. Why, it aer more'n a week old. Here, look thur, and you'll allow as there's reason to get a small piece uppish."
He tossed a paper across to Hal, and began to sip his coffee. Hal opened the sheets of closely printed matter, and found a complete page given up to one subject. Across the top, in big, bold type, was printed, "Glorious Victory! Dewey annihilates the Spanish fleet at the Philippines! The battle of Manila! Full details! Wonderful gallantry displayed by the enemy! Small American losses!"