“Hardly. But, hark! Some troops are coming!” “And I am not armed!” “Nor I! Listen--they seem to be passing to our right. We had better separate.” “You are badly wounded, and so is Firefly.” “So are you wounded. Your cheek is covered with blood.” “That’s only a scratch, Andy. But one of your horses stepped on my ankle and that’s not so nice. Hello, what’s the meaning of that?” The conversation was broken off and both young soldiers stared through the thickets. A strange, heavy smoke was rolling their way. Firefly sniffed it and began to circle about uneasily. “Andy, I think--” “The woods are on fire!” “You are right--and, see! the fire is behind us, too!” They swung around. It was true, either by accident or design the forest had been ignited, and now the dry brush was burning like so much tinder. From here and there came a distant cry for help. “It looks as if we were hemmed in, Louis. What shall we do?” “Do? Get out--just as fast as we can. Come, there seems to be a clear space to our left.” They hurried off. The wind now began to blow, carrying the burning embers close to each. Firefly snorted in alarm and could scarcely be controlled. As Andy passed under a low-branched tree the animal gave a sudden bound and threw his young master backward. The next instant he was out of sight. Louis ran forward. Andy lay where he had fallen, motionless and with his eyes closed. His head had struck the root of a bush and he was senseless. “Andy! Andy!” cried Louis, pleadingly, but there was no response. The young Union soldier looked back. The fire was advancing with frightful rapidity. He must run with all his might if he would save himself from the devouring element. But could he leave Andy, his enemy and yet his best friend? No, never! “I’ll die with him before I’ll do it!” he muttered between his set teeth, and caught up the motionless form and slung it over his shoulder. The burden was a heavy one, but he struggled on manfully. [Illustration: “I’LL DIE WITH HIM BEFORE I’LL DO IT!”--_Page 426._] But now he could not go much farther. Every nerve had been strained to its utmost. He stumbled rather than ran a few steps more. Ah, what was this--a tiny stream! He plunged into the water and allowed his clothing to become saturated. He also threw some of the water into Andy’s face. “Louis--what--what happened?” and Andy’s eyes opened widely. “Firefly threw you and ran off, Andy. I carried you here. We are not yet safe.” “You carried me, Louis? How good of you! And the fire is behind?” By a superhuman effort Andy started up. “We must go farther.” “Yes. If you can walk give me your hand. See, there is a road and beyond is a clearing. Come!” On they went, side by side, Louis supporting Andy, who was still dizzy. The clearing reached, they saw another road, and beyond was an open field where a regiment of Union men were battling bravely against a broken line of gray. Here both came to a halt and gazed into each other’s eyes.