ng the day on which the lads had taken part in
the defense of Thiaumont farmhouse. They had returned to their quarters
late in the day, had reported to General Petain and had been relieved of
duty until the following morning. It was now after 8 o'clock and they
were strolling about the camp.

They had made their way well back into the heart of the armed settlement
when Chester had made the announcement that they were being followed.

With Hal to reach a decision was to act. Chester let his friend do the
leading in this instance.

Hal quickened his steps and walked quickly down the row of tents,
which, well back of the trenches, were laid out in the form of streets,
and which, in fact, were called streets by the soldiers themselves.
Chester followed.

At the first cross street, for so they may be called, Hal led the way
sharply to the left and stopped suddenly. A moment later a figure came
slinking around after them. Hal reached out an arm and grabbed him.

"Here," he said, "what are you following us for?"

The man tried to free himself, but Hal held him tight.

"If you'll let me loose, I'll explain," he said finally.

Hal considered this a moment; then with a shrug of his shoulders
released his hold.

"Stand behind him, Chester," he said.

Chester followed Hal's injunction, but the man made no effort to escape.

"Well?" said Hal, questioningly.

The man thrust a hand into his pocket.

"Hold on there!" cried Hal, sharply, producing his revolver. "No
tricks now."

The man smiled and withdrew his hand from his pocket.

"I wasn't after a gun," he said.

He opened his hand and in the palm Hal saw a little round object.

"Can you match that?" the man demanded.

Hal peered closer and made out the nature of the object in the
man's hand.

"A black pea!" he exclaimed. "Yes, I can match it."

He thrust a hand in his pocket and produced a black pea, which not many
days before had rolled from the pocket of Jules Clemenceau.

The stranger looked at it closely.

"All right," he said. He turned to Chester. "And you?" he demanded.

Chester's reply was to produce his black pea, which he exhibited
to the man.

"Good!" said the stranger. "Follow me."

"Follow you where?" Chester wanted to know.

"Yes; what's all this funny business, anyhow?" demanded Hal.

The man smiled enigmatically.

"Best to be careful," he said. "Come on."

Chester looked at Hal and the latter nodded.

"Might as well see what it'