At first he could not make out Jack's unconscious figure lying, on the floor. But, as the German stooped to pick up the wrench, the lad divined his purpose. He had fired just a moment before the wrench would have crushed out his friend's life. Quickly Frank bent over his chum and gently raised his head to his knee. There was no sign of life in the still body and Frank quickly placed his hand over the lad's heart. A faint fluttering was his reward. "Thank God! he's alive!" he said. Exerting himself to the utmost, he lifted Jack to his own shoulders, and started toward the door. At that moment the third officer came rushing down the steps. Together they carried Jack to his cabin, where they laid him on his bunk. Then Frank hastily summoned the surgeon. The lad bent over his friend anxiously as the physician examined him. "Will he live, doctor?" he asked anxiously. The surgeon shook his head doubtfully. "Bullet just grazed his temple," he said. "Also he is badly bruised about the body. So far as I can see there are no broken bones; but he may be injured internally." "Is there anything I can do, doctor?" The surgeon looked at the lad's white face. "Yes," he replied. "Go and see that the prisoners are safely secured. I can work better without your presence here." Frank started to protest, but the surgeon raised a warning hand. Without another word Frank left the cabin. Making sure that all the unwounded prisoners had been safely secured, Frank gave orders that Colonel Von Roth's body be prepared for burial. An hour later he returned to the cabin. "How is he, doctor?" was his first question. "Still unconscious, as you may see," was the reply. "However, I have made a thorough examination, and I believe that you need have no fear; but he must have perfect quiet for several days. Some one must be with him constantly. It would be well to have someone come now and wait here until he regains consciousness. I have other work to do." "I'll sit here myself," said Frank quietly. "As you go out will you tell the second officer to keep the bridge until further notice?" The surgeon bowed and left the cabin. Drawing up a chair, Frank sat down beside his unconscious friend and took up his silent vigil. CHAPTER XIII PURSUED It was hours later that Frank first noticed signs of returning consciousness in his wounded comrade. Jack's pale face took on a little color, his eyelids fluttered, and a minute later he opened his eyes. Frank bent over him. "How do you feel, old fellow?" he asked gently. It was some seconds before Jack replied. His gaze roved about the cabin, and Frank could see that for the moment his friend was unable to recognize his surroundings. At last, however, a look of understanding passed over his face, and he spoke: "It was a great old scrap, wasn't it?" and he smiled up at his friend. "It was all of that," replied Frank. "But tell me, how do you feel?"