“That can wait,” Captain Hager said gruffly. “You can tell us all about it later. Get yourself to a warm bed now, before you die of pneumonia. Get along with ye!”
Nearly exhausted, and shaking with cold, Bart was lifted bodily and carried to a waiting ambulance.
Chapter 25
COURT OF HONOR
TWO days had elapsed since Bart Ranieau had been brought out of Calico Cave suffering from shock, but otherwise unharmed by his thrilling explorations.
Long hours of sleep and plenty of food had restored him to his former peak of health. But as his strength returned, he became restless and pestered hospital officials until at last they dismissed him.
Almost immediately, Bart sought Judy and Kathleen at Pine Cone Camp to thank them for saving his life.
Word spread like wildfire that the young explorer had arrived and soon the daring young man was surrounded by Girl Scouts who teased him to tell the story of his adventure.
“Start at the very beginning,” Judy urged. “Don’t leave out anything.”
“That’s a large order, but I’ll try,” grinned Bart. “Well, I’d made up my mind to try the siphon. I didn’t tell anyone, because I knew if I did, the authorities would try to stop me.”