Dick had been on the lookout for the Hargreaves party, and came forward
and had a talk with them before they started across the open spot. He had
quite recovered from Nelly's attack upon his dignity as a man and a naval
officer, and the pair as usual had a wordy spar. Dick was, however, rather
serious at the prospect of the danger they were about to run.

"Will you let me cross with you one at a time?" he asked.

"Certainly not, Dick," Mrs. Hargreaves said. "You could do us no good, and
would run a silly risk yourself. Now, girls, are you ready?"

"Stoop low, for heaven's sake!" Dick urged.

Mrs. Hargreaves started at a run, accompanied by Alice. Nelly was a little
behind. Dick took her hand and ran across, keeping between her and the
enemy.

"Down low!" he cried, as, when they were half across, a heavy gun fired.
As he spoke, he threw his arms round Nelly, and pulled her to the ground.
As he did so a storm of grape swept just above them, striking the wall,
and sending a shower of earth over them. Another half-minute and they were
across on the other side.

"Good-by," he said to them all; "you are over the worst now."

"Good-by, my dear boy. Mind how you cross again. God bless you." And Mrs.
Hargreaves and Alice shook his hand, and turned to go. Nelly held hers out
to him. He took it and clasped it warmly; he was loosening his hold when
the girl said: "You have saved my life, Dick."