The fact that Henry, ironically, sustained a head wound from another soldier also running from the front line is known only to Henry and to the reader. In this way Crane brings the reader into Henry's mind and allows the reader to speculate regarding just how Henry will explain what has happened to him. The omniscient point of view used by Crane comes into play as Crane tells the reader how the other soldiers react to the wound — the reader and Henry being the only observers having knowledge of how he sustained the injury. Recovery from the head injury buys Henry a little time to consider if he can tell what really happened to him. He determines that he cannot face the ridicule which he might receive if he told the truth, so he does not tell what really happened. (He tells two untruths instead.) It is not until the head wound heals, and he finds Wilson's letters, that he can begin to rebuild his confidence.
On being returned to his regiment, Henry is welcomed by Wilson, a soldier friend, and given treatment for his injury. In this way, Crane shows that Henry is not totally isolated; his fellow soldiers are prepared to accept him as an important and valued member of their team. Henry, however, can't face Wilson to answer any questions because he is ashamed of what he has done. Henry sleeps that night as a boy waiting to be scolded — and forgiven, if possible.
The next morning, in Chapters 14 and 15, the day after he runs from the enemy, Henry realizes that he may not be the worst soldier in the regiment. Wilson asks him to return several letters which he had given to him. (The letters were given to Henry by Wilson because Wilson thought that he was going to die in battle.) Henry realizes that Wilson could also show weakness and fear (in this case even before the regiment had engaged in battle.) As a result, Henry regains some of his lost confidence. Henry's reaction to Wilson's letters — building strength on someone else's weakness — may show some immaturity on Henry's part, but it does move him from boy to youth because he is, at least, trying to find something to reestablish his confidence.
