A pair of piercing yet kindly eyes were fixed on Porky as he came to attention and awaited permission to approach the huge table at which sat General Pershing and several members of his staff. Porky was conscious of something serious in the air. The faces that looked up as he entered were serious, and some of them frowning. Colonel Bright threw him a glance, then continued his restless tramp up and down the further end of the large apartment. Only General Pershing seemed wholly at ease. He beckoned the boy. Porky came and stood opposite the General, the width of the table between them.
"Your report," said the General.
Porky breathed more freely. He was to be given a chance to explain his tardy arrival, at least, before being reprimanded.
"I report, sir, that I brought Lieutenant Bogardus as far as the First Aid Station in trench D," he said. "He is unconscious and could not come here. They think he will not die."
"He is unconscious," repeated the General, while Colonel Bright stopped his steady stride and stared at the boy.
"Yes, sir," said Beany.
"Did you find him at the wireless station?" asked the General.
"No, sir," said Porky.
"Where then?" snapped the officer with seeming impatience.
"In a shell crater, sir, just outside the German lines," said the boy.