"I wouldn't try it if I were you," the lad advised him.

"What!" exclaimed the Frenchman. "You dare to talk to me like that?"

"Of course I dare," was the lad's heated response.

The Frenchman took a quick step forward and slapped Hal smartly
across the face.

Hal promptly sent his right fist crashing into the other's face and
knocked him down.

The Frenchman rose slowly to his feet, and with blood streaming from his
nose, approached Hal.

"I am Lieutenant Dupree," he said. "My friend shall call on you
this evening."

"I am Hal Paine, attached to the staff of General French," Hal said
calmly, "and your friend may call any time he so desires."

The Frenchman bowed stiffly, and continued on his way. Hal returned
to Chester.

"Back so soon?" said Chester.

"Yes," was Hal's reply; "and back with more trouble."

"What's the matter?" demanded Chester in some consternation.