moment at least, shut out a background of horror and lifted his
thought into an exalted plane. He paused at a bridge to lean against the
railing and watch the trembling reflection of city lights in the river.

"I have it!" he suddenly exclaimed to the steel railing. "I have it!"

He paused for a moment to turn over his thought, as though to make sure
it should not escape. Then, at a pace which aroused the wondering glance
of one or two placid policemen, he hurried to the hotel.

Linder and Grant had been assigned to the same room, and the sergeant's
dreams, if he dreamt at all, were of the sweet hay meadows of the West.
Grant turned on the light and looked down into the face of his friend.
A smile, born of fields afar from war's alarms, was playing about his
lips. Even in his excitement Grant could not help reflecting what a
wonderful thing it is to sleep in peace. Then--

"I have it!" he shouted. "Linder, I have it!"

The sergeant sat up with a start, blinking.

"I have it!" Grant repeated.

"THEM, you mean," said Linder, suddenly awake. "Why, man, what's wrong
with you? You're more excited than if we were just going over the top."

"I've got my great idea. I know what I'm going to do with my money."

"Well, don't do it to-night," Linder protested. "Someone has to settle
for this dug-out in the morning."

"We're leaving for the West to-morrow, Linder, old scout. Everybody
will say we're crazy, but that's a good sign. They've said that of every
reformer since--"

But Linder was again sleeping the sleep of a man four years in France.

CHAPTER XV

The window was grey with the light of dawn before Grant's mind had
calmed down enough for sleep. When Linder awoke him it was noon.

"You sleep well on your Big Idea," was his comment.

"No better than you did last night," retorted Grant, springing out of
bed. "Let me see.... yes, I still have it clearly. I'll tell you about
it sometime, if you can stay awake. When do we eat?"

"Now, or as soon as you are presentable. I've a notion to give you three
days' C.B. for appearing on parade in your pyjamas."

"Make it a cash fine, Sergeant, old dear, and pay it out of what you owe
me. Now that that is settled order up a decent meal. I'll be shaved and
dressed long before it arrives. You know this is a first-class hotel,
where prompt service would not be tolerated."

As they ate together Grant showed no disposition to discuss what Linder
called his Big Idea, n