Back of them all the fine cavalry horse stood trembling and curious. This cavalry horse, struck by the wheels of the victoria, now showed blood spots along his glistening, lathered flanks.
"Get up, messmate," called one of the regular artillerymen, bending over Overton. "You did the whole trick like an Army man, and the ladies want to thank you."
He helped Hal to his feet. The soldier boy trembled slightly and almost unconsciously put a hand to his head.
"Your hat, mate? We'll help you find that."
But Hal's hand had gone to a cut on his head from which blood was oozing, for just as he went down one of the horses had struck him a glancing kick there.
It was Corporal Noll Terry, who sprinting desperately along the field, espied his chum's campaign hat and picked it up with hardly a slackening of his speed.
But Noll did run more slowly when he saw Overton again standing on his feet. Now Noll gently approached the cavalry horse, whose bridle reins dangled.
"Easy now, boy," urged Noll as he approached and reached for the lines.
He secured them, then gently led the cavalry mount over toward the crowd.
"Hurt much, Hal?" hailed Noll