A Young Hero

be sure," said the old man, smiling, "what about dinner! You see, Phil," he continued, as he looked about in all directions over the open country, "your father said we were to get right away from the fighting, and after it was over he would come and join us."

"Yes, I know," said the boy.

"Well, we should have had to start to-night, or to-morrow, so it only means that we have come away in a hurry and meet him all the sooner."

"To be sure," said the boy, eagerly.

"You won't mind going without your dinner?"

"Of course not," cried Phil, stoutly.

"And if we have to sleep in a barn or shed somewhere to-night instead of a comfortable bed, you won't mind that either, will you?"

"Not a bit," cried Phil. "Let's sleep in the forest, and cut down boughs and pick leaves for a bed. It would be fun. I should like it."

"To be sure you would."

"Wouldn't you, Dr Martin?"

"That I should, my boy," cried the Doctor, who was still eagerly searching the fields an