“Great work!” cried Walt, risking his life to run forward and shake hands with all three of the volunteers. “You all did splendidly.”
“Indeed you did!” echoed John Mason. “We are very proud of you.”
“Who can fix Joe’s leg?” demanded Robert. He had no interest in the words of praise being heaped upon them. At least, his brother’s welfare was the first thought that came into his mind.
“Is he hurt badly?” exclaimed Walt anxiously.
“I think not,” replied Robert. “It seems like a flesh wound, but it ought to be attended to.”
“Of course it had,” said John Mason. “Some one help me carry him back here a little way and I’ll soon fix him up.”
Once more Joseph was lifted from the ground and borne farther back from the firing line. John Mason set to work at once and it was easy to see from the way he conducted himself that he was an expert in the art of looking after wounds. In a very few moments he had doctored Joseph so successfully that he was able to bear some weight upon his injured limb. With two men supporting him he was even able to hobble along for a few steps.
“Do you think you can ride your horse?” asked John Mason anxiously.
“I know I can,” replied Joseph.
“That’s good news. If we have to run for it you’ll certainly need The Swallow to help you out.”