But I guess it didn't." It was characteristic of Tom that he did not mention his own part in the business.
"I drank about a quart of it around noontime," said a young sergeant, "and I'm here yet." "It's good and cool," observed another.
"What's the matter with Snipy, anyway ?" a private asked, laughing.
"Somebody been spinning him around ?" "He just got mixed up, kind of, that's all," Tom said.
_That was all._ There was much excitement in and about the little cottage on the edge of the village.

Up the narrow path, from headquarters below, came other Americans, officers as Tom could see, who disappeared inside the house.
Presently, the German prisoners, all except the big officer, came out, sullen in captivity, poor losers as Germans always are, and marched away toward the centre of the village, under escort.
"They thought they were taking us to the German lines," said Tom simply.
Roscoe, having recovered somewhat from his surprise and feeling deeply chagrined, walked over and stood in front of Tom.
"Why didn't you show me that compass, Tom ?" he asked.
"Because it was wrong, just like you were," Tom answered frankly, but without any trace of resentment.

"If I'd showed it to you you'd have thought it proved you were right.

It was marked, crazy like, by that feller I told you about.

I knew all the time we were coming to Cantigny." There was a moment of silence, then Roscoe, his voice full of feeling, said simply, "Tom Slade, you're a wonder." "Hear that, Paul Revere ?" one of the soldiers said jokingly.