But the British had not escaped without great loss. Exposed to the fire
of the enemy as they had charged upon the solid triple line of rifles,
many had fallen. Less than half the original troop now remained, and of
these at least half were wounded, though none seriously.
During the fight the flames that had enveloped the barn had gained great
headway and were now raging fiercely. Hal looked quickly about for some
sign of the man whom he knew had been within. He believed that the man
must have come forth, when he was aware that assistance was at hand, for
he realized that to remain in the burning structure would have probably
meant death.
But in the troop he saw no sign of a stranger; nor had Chester nor any of
the men seen anyone leave the barn.
"Great Scott! He'll burn to death in there!" Hal cried.
"Well, why didn't the big chump come out?" said Chester.
"Maybe he was hit by a bullet and killed," said Hal.
"Yes; or perhaps he is wounded, and unable to drag himself out,"
said Chester.
"By Jove!" said Hal.
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