THE BIG COUP No one knew, no one ever would know, of the anxiety and suspense which Tom Slade experienced in that fateful march through the country above Cantigny.

Every uncertain pause of that huge officer, and every half inquiring turn of his head sent a shock of chill misgiving through poor Tom and he trudged along under the weight of his burden, hearing the flippant and bitter jibes of Roscoe as if in a trance.
At last, having crossed a large field, they fell into a well-worn path, and here Tom experienced his moment of keenest anxiety, for the officer paused as if in momentary recognition of the spot.

For a second he seemed a bit perplexed, then strode on.

Still again he paused within a few yards of the little house where the light had appeared.
But it was too late.

About this house a dozen or more figures moved in the darkness.