CHAPTER XV

BESIDE THE BROOK


When the slow retreat began Dick looked for the sergeant. But a stalwart
figure, a red bandage around the head, rose up and confronted him.
It was Sergeant Whitley himself, a little unsteady yet on his feet,
but soon to be as good as ever.

"Thank you for looking for me, Mr. Mason," he said, "but I came to,
some time ago. I guess the bullet found my skull too hard, 'cause it
just ran 'roun' it, and came out on the other side. I won't even be
scarred, as my hair covers up the place."

"Can you walk all right?" asked Dick, overjoyed to find the sergeant was
not hurt badly.

"Of course I can, Mr. Mason, an' I'm proud to have been with General
Thomas in such a battle. I didn't think human bein's could do what our
men have done."

"Nor did I. It was impossible, but we've done it all the same."

Colonel Winchester rejoiced no less than the lads over the sergeant's
escape. All the officers of the regiment liked him, and they had an
infinite respect for his wisdom, particularly when danger was running
high. They were glad for his own sake that he was alive, and they were
glad to have him with them as they retreated into Chattanooga, because