In spite of himself a feeling of joy shot into Bob's heart. If Trevanion were wounded, perhaps he--then . . . but he would not allow himself to complete the thought which had been born in his mind. Bob found himself amidst a group of officers. "It is impossible to do anything for him," he heard one say: "I know where he is, but no man's life would be worth a pin's purchase who tried to get at him. The Germans are not more than 500 yards away, and whoever shows himself to them is a dead man. Only a few minutes ago some men were trying to get from one trench to another, and they were just mowed down like grass." "But Trevanion may not be killed," urged another, "and if he is badly wounded it might mean death to him if nothing is done for him. Besides, daylight will be gone in less than an hour, and if he is not got at at once, it will be impossible to find him in the dark." "And the man who tries to get at him in the light," said another, "will find himself full of bullets." Bob listened eagerly to every word that was said, and again he could not help rejoicing at what seemed Trevanion's fate. The fact that he had discussed his, Bob's, cowardice with fellows with whom he had been at school had roused his anger against him; and when he was told that Trevanion was engaged to Nancy Tresize, a feeling of mad hatred mastered him. "By God," said one, "but we cannot leave him out there without trying to get at him! Isn't there one of us who will make the attempt?" "It would be a madman's act," cried another. "You know they are waiting for us, and, if any one dares to go out in the open, he is a dead man." "You say you know where he is now?" said Bob. "I know where Sergeant Beel said he saw him," was the reply. "I should like to speak to Beel," and Bob's voice was very quiet as he spoke. Instantly an order was given, and a few minutes later Sergeant Beel was saluting him. "You say you saw Captain Trevanion fall?" said Bob. "Yes, sir." "Can you point out the spot?" "Yes, sir." A few minutes later Bob was in possession of all the information which the Sergeant could give. "Heavens, you are not going, Nancarrow?" "I'm going to have a try," was Bob's reply. In the few seconds which it took Sergeant Beel to tell his story, Bob had been fighting the greatest battle of his life. It seemed to him as though thousands of devils were pleading with him to let his rival die, and all the time every particle of manhood he possessed was telling him where his duty lay. If Nancy Tresize had promised Trevanion to be his wife, she must love him, and if she loved him, the death of her lover would be like death to her. Anyhow, it was for him to make the attempt. He crept from his place of safety, and threw himself flat on the ground, while the others, with whispered exclamations of surprise, watched him.