STRANGE AND TERRIBLE DISCOVERIES--JACK IS MADE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF AN
ARMY.
When my consciousness returned, I found myself lying on my back beside
our camp-fire, with my head resting on Peterkin's knee; and the first
sound I heard was his pleasant voice, as he said--
"All right, Jack; he's coming round. I'm quite certain that no serious
damage is done. I know well what sort o' rap he must have got. It'll
bother him a little at first, but it won't last long."
Comforted not a little by this assurance, I opened my eyes and looked
up.
"What has happened?" I inquired faintly.
"Ah! that's right, Ralph. I'm glad to hear your voice again. D'you
know, I thought at first it was all over with you?"
"Over with him!" echoed Peterkin; "it's only begun with him. Ralph's
days of valorous deeds are but commencing.--Here, my boy; put this flask
to your mouth. It's lucky I fetched it with us. Here, drink."
"No, not until you tell me what has occurred," said I, for I still felt
confused in my brain.
"Then I _won't_ tell you a word until you drink," repeated my friend, as
he looked anxiously in my face and held the flask to my lips.