"I got him! I told you he was there!"
John turned from the scene with a sense of sickening horror. He would die for his country, but he hoped he would not be called on to kill again.
He made a wide detour and attempted to cross the lines five miles further from the city and walked suddenly into a squad of grey soldiers in command of a lieutenant.
The officer eyed him with suspicion.
"What's your business here, sir?" he asked sharply.
"Looking over the lines," John replied casually.
"So I see. That's why I asked you. Show your pass."
"Why, I haven't one."
"I thought not. You're a damned spy and you'd just as well say your prayers. I'm going to hang you."
The men pressed near. Among them was a second lieutenant, a big, strapping, quiet-looking fellow.