At another time Amos might have shuddered at seeing signs of blood on the fingers extended in hospitable greeting; but by now he had gone through so much that was terrible and nerve stretching that the experience had hardened him to such things. Besides the boy was rapidly becoming what might be called philosophical, as happens to all those who are brought in close contact with varied scenes of suffering.
“I’m glad you’ve given me the chance to thank you, my brave lad, for your assistance,” said the head surgeon as he grasped the hand of Amos. “I do not know who you two boys are, for somehow you are different from our English lads, but there’s little doubt your hearts are with us in this terrible carnage.”
“We are both American boys,” said Amos hastily, his eyes sparkling with pleasure at this friendly and hearty greeting, which was so different from what a good many Britishers would have exhibited, for they seem to repress their feelings until outsiders come to look upon them as cold-blooded people, which is not the case at all.
“That pleases me again,” said the surgeon, “for my wife was of your country, and I have spent many happy months visiting America. But pardon my curiosity, please; what can have brought two lads of your age over here in the midst of the fighting, and particularly on Gallipoli Peninsula, where one would least expect to meet you?”
That gave the anxious Amos the opening he wanted, and so he immediately started in to tell of his long search for his brother, and just why, at that particular time above all others, it was of the greatest importance that Frank should return home with him, even though he meant to come back to his duty again.
“Tell me his name,” said the surgeon, “possibly I may happen to know of him even if I have never met him personally.”
His surprise was great when the boy proudly let it be known that the brother whom he sought had established a wonderful reputation for valor among the Allies—indeed, that he even had a price set on his head by the Germans, who had learned to fear him above all the dashing birdmen who served in the ranks of the French and the British.
“Indeed, you astonish me,” remarked the kindly head surgeon; “it must give you great satisfaction to hear on every side that this wonderful brother of yours is accounted the best aviator we have. Far and near I have heard his praises sung, and if any class of men can appreciate true bravery surely soldiers may. I heard only yesterday that he was working with us now on Gallipoli, but as yet I have not had the pleasure of making his acquaintance. In a way that may be accounted fortunate for him, since many come to me who would rather not.”
Amos was, of course, a bit disappointed. He had anticipated meeting with better success than this.
“I thank you very much for what you have said, Doctor,” he remarked, controlling his emotion. “We expect to make inquiries, and before a great while I shall hope to run across Frank, who can hardly hide his light under a bushel here, for he will be either with the fleet at some island rendezvous, or else on shore;” and as the surgeon’s services were required just then nothing more could be said.