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diff --git a/37927-h/37927-h.htm b/37927-h/37927-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cac6f70 --- /dev/null +++ b/37927-h/37927-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6504 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<!-- $Id: header.txt 236 2009-12-07 18:57:00Z vlsimpson $ --> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Boy Volunteers with the French Airmen, by Kenneth Ward. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + +body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + +h1,h2,h3,h4 {text-align: center; font-family: garamond, serif; clear: both;} + +p {margin-top: .75em; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: .75em;} + +hr {width: 33%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; clear: both;} + +table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + +.pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} + +.blockquot {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + +.bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} +.bl {border-left: solid 2px;} +.bt {border-top: solid 2px;} +.br {border-right: solid 2px;} +.bbox {border: solid 2px;} + +.center {text-align: center;} +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} +.gesperrt {letter-spacing: .3em;} +.u {text-decoration: underline;} +.caption {font-weight: bold;} + +.figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + +.tnotes {border: dashed 1px;} +.tnote {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Volunteers with the French Airmen, by +Kenneth Ward + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Boy Volunteers with the French Airmen + +Author: Kenneth Ward + +Release Date: November 5, 2011 [EBook #37927] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY VOLUNTEERS WITH THE *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Judith Wirawan and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="400" height="637" alt="Cover" title="" /> +<span class="caption"> </span> +</div> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<br /> +<a name="frontis" id="frontis"></a> +<img src="images/illus002.jpg" width="400" height="535" alt="The Seraph Made a Quick Glide Below Its Adversary" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><i>The Seraph Made a Quick Glide Below Its Adversary</i></span> +</div> + +<hr /> + + +<h1><br /><span class="smcap">The Boy Volunteers</span></h1> +<h2><span class="smcap">with the</span></h2> +<h1><span class="smcap">French Airmen</span></h1> + +<h3><br />BY</h3> +<h2>KENNETH WARD</h2> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 97px;"> +<br /> +<img src="images/illus003.jpg" width="97" height="100" alt="Logo" title="" /> +</div> + +<h4><br />THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY<br /> +NEW YORK</h4> + +<h4><br />Copyright, 1917, by<br /> +AMERICAN AUTHORS PUBLISHING CO.</h4> + +<hr /> + + +<h2><br />CONTENTS</h2> + + + + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary="Contents"> +<tr><td align="left" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">chapter</span></td><td align="right"><span class="smcap">page</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">I</td><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">Antwerp, and the Flight through Northern Belgium</span></span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">II</td><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">In the Aviation Camp</span></span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">III</td><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">The Wounded Aviators</span></span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">IV</td><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">Trench Work with the British Forces</span></span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">V</td><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">On the Firing Line</span></span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_61">61</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VI</td><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">Vigorous Red Cross Work</span></span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VII</td><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">Bound for Verdun</span></span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_84">84</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VIII</td><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">An Aeroplane amidst the Lightnings</span></span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_94">94</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">IX</td><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">A Chapter of Lessons about the Aeroplane</span></span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_107">107</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">X</td><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">A Thrilling Experience in the Air</span></span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XI</td><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">A Fight and a Landing in Belgium</span></span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XII</td><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">Exciting Exploits on Land</span></span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_143">143</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIII</td><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">A Daring Bomb Raid to the Rhine</span></span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIV</td><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">A Terrible Fight in the Clouds</span></span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_160">160</a></td></tr> +</table><br /></div> + +<hr /> + +<h2><br />LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + + +<div class="center"> +<br /><table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary="List of Illustrations"> +<tr><td align="left"><i>The Seraph Made a Quick Glide Below Its Adversary</i></td><td align="right"><a href="#frontis"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"> </td><td align="right"><span class="smcap">page</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Types of Allied Airplanes</i></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Airplanes of the Central Powers</i></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Allies' Distinguishing Mark</i></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_64">64</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Black Cross on German Flyers</i></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>French and German Flags</i></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_75">75</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>Instrument Board of Standard Airplane</i></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_110">111</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>A Dangerous Position</i></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_129">129</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><i>A Safety Manoeuver</i></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_133">133</a></td></tr> +</table><br /></div> + + +<hr /> +<h2>FRENCH AIRMEN</h2> +<hr /> + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> +<h1><br />THE BOY VOLUNTEERS<br /> +WITH THE FRENCH<br /> +AIRMEN</h1> + +<h2><br />CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h2>ANTWERP AND THE FLIGHT THROUGH NORTHERN BELGIUM</h2> + +<p><br />Antwerp was in a fever of excitement, as Ralph +and Alfred marched up from the quay with the +Belgian troops, and rumors of an immediate attack +on the city were flying about.</p> + +<p>"Look at the Zeppelin!" cried out a voice.</p> + +<p>The boys turned to follow the gaze of the people +who lined the streets. There, almost directly +west, they caught the first glimpse of one of the +monsters which appeared to be moving south, far +beyond the reach of the encircling forts, but +plainly visible.</p> + +<p>"Nothing would suit me better than a trip in +a flying machine!" exclaimed Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't that be fine?" replied Ralph.</p> + +<p>The sight seemed to be an inspiration to the +boys. Our story will tell how the idea so impressed +itself on their minds that they almost felt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> +it a duty to join a flying corps. That, however, +seemed to be an impossibility.</p> + +<p>They had passed through Belgium, participated +in the first battles of the war, had been captured, +and escaped from the Germans, and had now +reached Antwerp, with the retreating Belgian +army, where Ralph had hoped to meet his father, +whom they had left in Germany almost four weeks +prior to that time.</p> + +<p>As the father had not arrived, owing to the embargo +which had been placed on all travelers from +Germany to the warring countries, the boys found +themselves stranded in a strange city. Fortunately, +their connection with the army, and the +fact that they had rendered Belgium some service, +made it possible for them to get food and lodging.</p> + +<p>"We have forgotten one thing," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"What is that?" inquired Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Why, we never went to the Post Office," replied +Ralph.</p> + +<p>At the General Post Office they received a letter +from Alfred's father, only to learn that he +had been detained, as was the case with thousands +of Americans, and that it would be impossible for +him to reach Antwerp. Instead, he would be permitted +to go through Switzerland, and from that +country reach Paris where he hoped to meet them.</p> + +<p>"But we have no money now, what shall we +do?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"That's what worries me," answered Ralph. +"Father supposes that Pierre is still with us, and +that we are supplied with money."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> + +<p>Three days after receiving the letter the boys +heard the first definite news of the great movement +of German troops designed to attack the forts. If +they surrounded the city, and besieged it, the +chances of reaching Paris would be small, indeed.</p> + +<p>"Something must be done, and that today," +said Ralph. "I am going to leave if I have to +walk."</p> + +<p>"Where to?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>Ralph smiled, as he said: "We might walk to +Holland."</p> + +<p>Alfred almost shouted for joy, as he exclaimed: +"That's a good idea. We have about ten francs +left; that ought to take us through."</p> + +<p>A map was consulted. "Why, yes," said Alfred, +"we can go north to Eeckeren, and from that +place to Capellen, close to the frontier. It's only +twelve miles."</p> + +<p>After this decision they again visited the Post +Office, and immediately crossed through the city +with a view of striking the main highway leading +to Holland. Reaching the outskirts of the city, +they were surprised to see great masses of Belgian +troops encamped close to the forts, which guarded +the highway. They soon learned that a strong +German column had reached Brasscheat, three +miles from Eeckeren.</p> + +<p>They looked at each other in amazement. +"Well, this beats everything," said Alfred, with a +shade of bitterness. "The Germans seem to be +in our way whichever direction we turn. We'll +have to take another route."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Another route?" blurted out Ralph. "There +isn't another way to go on this side of the river. +It would be a long tramp to cross the river."</p> + +<p>They were now in a serious dilemma, and stood +there undecided as to the best course to follow, +when they were startled by a voice: "Hello, +boys!"</p> + +<p>"It's Pierre!" shouted Alfred, who was the first +to spy their friend.</p> + +<p>"And how did you get here?" asked Alfred. +"We thought they had captured you at Rouen."</p> + +<p>"So they did, but we got away the same night. +But where are you going?" returned Pierre.</p> + +<p>"Trying to get to Holland," he was informed.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid you will have to go south of the +Scheldt to get there," Pierre then informed +them.</p> + +<p>"But I received a letter from father, and he +wants us to meet him in Paris," said Alfred. +"You know we don't want to be shut up in the city, +if the Germans are going to surround it."</p> + +<p>"Of course not," answered Pierre. "But in the +meantime we must find some other way out. You +know you are still in the army, in the messenger +service, and come to think of it, you haven't received +any pay so far, have you?"</p> + +<p>The boys laughed, for that part of it had been +entirely forgotten.</p> + +<p>"Why, yes; the Germans paid us for work at +the hospital," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"And you repaid them by skipping out the next +day," said Pierre with a smile.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> + +<p>"How much do you think there is due us now?" +asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what you are on the rolls for, but +there must be a full month's pay due, and that +would be about thirty-five francs apiece," said +Pierre.</p> + +<p>"Thirty-five francs!" mused Ralph. "Twice +thirty-five is seventy,—about fourteen dollars. +Good, that will take us through."</p> + +<p>"I suggest that you come to headquarters and +join us. We intend to cross the river. It will be +the safest place for you," said Pierre.</p> + +<p>"That will suit me," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>Together they marched to headquarters where +they were again installed and placed on the rolls. +Late that night the regiment began its march, +reaching the dock below Antwerp at ten o'clock, +where they had a long wait before the crowded +boats left the pier. On landing, the march was +resumed, and did not halt for two hours, so it was +nearly three in the morning before they were able +to lie down for the much needed sleep.</p> + +<p>It did not seem that they had slept a half hour +when they were awakened by the heavy booming +notes of cannon, and the occasional rattle and +crash of small guns. The boys now knew the kind +of music which the different weapons ground out.</p> + +<p>"That's a machine gun, see how regularly the +shots come," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Yes; and that's a salvo from infantry," replied +Ralph. "The Mannlicher guns have an awfully +snappy way of talking. Do you hear it?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> +There it is again. They must be rushing some of +the outer works."</p> + +<p>The real fight, however, was between the forts +and the heavy German guns, which continued during +the entire day, principally on the southern and +eastern sides of the city. The struggle was continuous +for four days. Suddenly Pierre burst in +with the startling information:</p> + +<p>"The Germans have silenced two of the forts, +and Antwerp is doomed."</p> + +<p>No time was lost by the defending troops, and +before noon the camp was dismantled, and the +march begun.</p> + +<p>"Do you know where we are going!" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Nothing more than that we are going to leave +Antwerp, and try to reach the sea," replied +Pierre.</p> + +<p>The Belgian army had begun its famous march +across the northern end of Belgium in order to +reach the sea, and secure the protection of the +English fleet in the Channel.</p> + +<p>"I heard some one say that we intended going +through Bruges," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Yes; and from there the army may be able to +reach France, after passing through Ostend," said +Pierre.</p> + +<p>In an air line Bruges is fifty miles from Antwerp, +and from Bruges to the French frontier it +is fully forty miles more. How the brave little +army finally reached its destination, avoiding the +large German forces sent out to intercept them,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> +remains one of the most glorious exploits in the +history of the Belgian army.</p> + +<p>"Next to Belgium I am glad to be in France," +said Pierre. "Now you can get to Paris without +difficulty," he added.</p> + +<p>It thus happened that six weeks after the boys +entered Belgium southwest of Liege, they reached +Dunkirk on the French coast, and saw the immense +fleet of warships and transports, which the British +had in the harbor. It seemed that every spot +around the city was taken up by tents, wagons, +mules, horses, and heavy guns, to say nothing of +the soldiers on every hand.</p> + +<p>One regiment after the other entrained in cars, +and were whirled to the south. Box cars, flat cars, +some new, others dilapidated, were in service. It +seemed that there were thousands of automobiles +in line, and every one was anxious to get away. +They even saw thousands of men, with full kits +on their backs, march out to the east, as though +they scorned to wait for railway or auto accommodations.</p> + +<p>Pierre was at the door of the boys' tent early in +the morning of the second day. "I am glad to +tell you that the roll has been signed, and you can +get your pay," he said. "But I am awfully sorry +to have you go."</p> + +<p>"Of course, we've had some pretty hard times," +said Ralph, "but it was a great experience. +Maybe we'll come back again."</p> + +<p>"We're going to try to join the flying +machines," said Alfred.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> + +<p>Pierre laughed, and Ralph smiled, for, while +that idea was uppermost in his mind, he had never +discussed the subject with Alfred sufficiently to +enable them to call it a plan that they really intended +to follow out. It was more an enthusiastic +feeling of something that they would like to do, +without knowing just how they would go about it.</p> + +<p>"So you are really going to start for Paris this +afternoon?" said Pierre.</p> + +<p>"Yes; we ought to be there now, for father will +wonder what is the matter with us. You see he +hasn't heard from us for six weeks, and it has been +two weeks since we received his letter," said +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Then why don't you wire the Continental +Hotel, Paris, and tell him you are on the way? +It will relieve his anxiety. Tell him to answer you +at once, for it may take you several days to reach +Paris," said Pierre.</p> + +<p>"Several days?" queried Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed. Troops occupy all the cars now," +replied Pierre.</p> + +<p>So the telegram was sent, and it was decided to +remain where they were until morning so as to +receive the reply before starting. But no answer +came that night or the next day. In the meantime, +the boys wandered from place to place, for, as they +still wore the trim Belgian suits, they were privileged +to visit many places barred from civilians.</p> + +<p>In the afternoon they found themselves far +down the road leading to Ypres, when they were +startled at the sound of an unusual buzzing, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> +soon divined the cause as they saw a dozen or more +airplanes flying around over the broad fields to +the east. Nothing more was needed to give the +boys an inspiration. They moved toward the +great field, as though a giant magnet pulled them. +Long before they were near the hangars they could +see the flyers far above them, circling about. The +scene fascinated them.</p> + +<p>Then something like a dull explosion startled +them, and they looked at each other and then +glanced about.</p> + +<p>"There it is; look at it; directly above us," +shouted Alfred, in great excitement.</p> + +<p>"Something has happened; it's on fire," said +Ralph.</p> + +<p>In an incredibly short space of time, something +struck and rattled along the ground not far +from them, but the machine, although falling, was +still some hundreds of feet from the earth. One +of the operators could be seen frantically drawing +back the levers, and trying to hold the badly +damaged ship from overturning, but his efforts +were unavailing.</p> + +<p>The boys closed their eyes as the swiftly moving +machine now actually rolled down through space, +tumbling over and over, until it finally struck the +ground with a crashing noise, not a hundred feet +from where they stood. Terrorized at the sight, +they stood still for a few moments, but this was +no worse than the scenes they had witnessed in +battle, so, without a word, they made a rush for +the mound of debris.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> + +<p>"They are both under the machine," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Look at the smoke; it's afire," shouted Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Use sand! use sand!" almost shrieked Alfred.</p> + +<p>They had early learned that sand is more effectual +as a fire extinguisher of burning oil than +water, if properly applied. Handsful of sand +were scooped up and applied. A groan from one +of the men arrested their movements.</p> + +<p>Alfred jumped on the broken mass, and peered +down. "There he is!" he shouted. Ralph +crawled over the broken body of the airplane, and +reached down.</p> + +<p>"No; this man is lying still," he said. "Here +he is; come on this side; he is under the framework."</p> + +<p>The scene was one which well might inspire +heroic work.</p> + +<p>The imprisoned man was quite young, with +handsome features, and it seemed cruel that such +a fate should overtake him. The boys strained at +the wreck until it moved.</p> + +<p>"Brace it up on that side," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>The truss from the fuselage was removed from +the aviator, the man quickly drawn out from his +perilous position, and carried clear of the wreck.</p> + +<p>"Now for the other one," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>Blood was still flowing across the face of the +other flyer, as they crawled over the wreck to +draw him out.</p> + +<p>"This one is alive, I am sure," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Why, yes; his heart is beating," replied Alfred,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> +as the injured men were laid side by side.</p> + +<p>"I have heard that they have first aid packages +in machines of this kind," said Ralph, as he +sprang toward the remains of the machine. "I +have it," he cried, as he leaped over the wrecked +pieces. "Here is—a—<i>Restorative</i>, whatever that +is,—half a wineglass at a time,—where's the wineglass?"</p> + +<p>"Give each a good swallow of it," said Alfred, +as he raised up the head of the one first rescued.</p> + +<p>The other man opened his eyes. "Lieutenant!" +he said. Then, as he gazed at the boys, he seemed +to smile, and as Alfred held up the bottle he feebly +nodded.</p> + +<p>It seemed to revive him in a few moments, and +he struggled to raise himself. "I feel better now, +but something hurts my legs," he said.</p> + +<p>The lieutenant opened his eyes, and quietly +looked at the boys without speaking.</p> + +<p>"Can I do anything for you?" said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Is Jack hurt?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes; but he is all right," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Here I am; still on top," said Jack, as he +slightly turned, and moved his hand toward the +lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"And what are you boys doing here?" asked +the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"On our way to Paris," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"But where did you get the uniforms?" asked +the officer.</p> + +<p>"Why, we've been in the Belgian army, and +were in several fights," said Ralph proudly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> + +<p>The lieutenant's face brightened into a smile, +which quickly changed to one of pain. An ambulance +stopped alongside with startling suddenness, +for the boys had been too busy to notice that +the watchers at the hangars had signaled for assistance. +The men were carefully carried to the +van, and as they were about to start the lieutenant +motioned to the doctor in charge, and said:</p> + +<p>"I want the boys to come along with us."</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p> + +<h2><br />CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h2>IN THE AVIATION CAMP</h2> + +<p><br />Once inside the ambulance the boys had an opportunity +to watch the doctors, as they removed +the clothing from the men, and began a search for +the location and nature of the injuries. It was a +gratification to be able to assist in this work. +Jack's legs were both broken, and the lieutenant's +chest, back and right arm were bruised and clotted +with blood.</p> + +<p>"I think they are all right," said the doctor in +charge.</p> + +<p>"But it's awfully hard breathing," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"You must have had a pretty good weight on +top of you," remarked the doctor.</p> + +<p>"I should think so," said Ralph. "It was all +we could do to lift up the cross piece of the frame +from him."</p> + +<p>"We'll straighten you out in a few days," answered +the doctor, "but your companion didn't +fare as well. Compound fracture of one leg; but +he has a good constitution; he's good for several +trips yet."</p> + +<p>The gratitude of the lieutenant was plainly observable,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> +and the doctor was quick to notice it. +"If these young men hadn't taken you out when +they did it would have been all over with you, because +the weight prevented you from breathing."</p> + +<p>The lieutenant tried to smile, as he gazed at the +boys, and they understood.</p> + +<p>When the ambulance reached the hospital there +were fifty or more aviators from the station, +awaiting the news. The boys leaped out, the attendants +were on hand with the stretchers, while +the excited men crowded around the boys to learn +the details. It was not long before the story of +the rescue was known. The chief of the flying +squadron came out of the hospital, and approached +the boys. The latter straightened up +and saluted.</p> + +<p>"You should be commended for the prompt +work you performed in rescuing the lieutenant +and his pilot. I understand you belong to the Belgian +army; but you are not Belgians, are you?" +he asked.</p> + +<p>"No, we are not," said Alfred, slightly embarrassed +at the question.</p> + +<p>The Commandant smiled as he continued: "I +take it that you are Americans?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Captain; you are right," replied Ralph. +"We joined the Belgian army at Liege, and fought +the enemy all the way to Antwerp, and we had +some pretty hot times, too."</p> + +<p>This speech was applauded heartily, while a +young man sprang forward, held out his hand and +said: "And here's United States, too."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We are not with the army now," said Alfred, +recovering; "we hope to go to Paris, if it is possible +to get there."</p> + +<p>"The chances for that are not very good at +present," observed the Commandant, "but in the +meantime, if you are not attached, you must put +up with us."</p> + +<p>"Thank you for the offer," said Ralph eagerly. +"We want to get into the flying service; that will +just suit us."</p> + +<p>"I am afraid that the army provisions would +not permit you to join," said the officer, and all +noted the expressions of disappointment that indicated +the boys' feelings at this announcement.</p> + +<p>"Then I suppose we'll have to force our way in, +just as we did in Belgium," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>This was greeted with a sally of laughter. The +boys had made a hit with the corps, and they accepted +the offer of quarters for their accommodation +in the firm belief that something would turn +up to assist them in their desires.</p> + +<p>Boys are really at a disadvantage sometimes. +This story, as well as many others, shows that +they are capable of doing things as well as men, +and that they can do some things better than +most men; but in military matters the service +seems to have been made for grown-up people on +the principle that war is too barbarous a thing +for young men until they are twenty years of age.</p> + +<p>The boys, who were now in their glory, had a +portion of a small room in a wooden building assigned +to them. At this time there were fifty machines<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> +of various types on the ground, the particular +makes being the Bristol, the B. E., several +Farman machines, and a half dozen Sopworth +tractors.</p> + +<p>Tom Walton, the young American who greeted +them at the hospital, was accorded the privilege of +escorting the boys and introducing them. That +they had been in the first battles of the war was +sufficient to give them a coveted place in that company +of enthusiastic men, for there was some +glory in having been on a battlefield,—a thing +which could have been said of only a few of those +who entertained them that day.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you want to see the machines," said +Tom.</p> + +<p>"Indeed, we do," said Alfred. "What is that +big machine over there?"</p> + +<p>"That is a Bristol," answered Tom.</p> + +<p>"And there is another one," remarked Ralph, +pointing to a machine, which was being drawn out +of the hangar.</p> + +<p>"No, that's a B. E. biplane," answered Tom. +"You will see the difference by observing the +shape of the planes. The Bristol has the ends of +the wings rounded so that the forward corners are +cut away to a greater extent than the rear corners. +In the B. E. the wings are cut to conform with the +well-known Wright type."</p> + +<p>"That's a Farman machine, I know," said +Ralph, pointing to an aeroplane which had a huge +revolving type of motor forward of the main +planes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes; but when that machine is high in the air +it would be difficult to recognize it from that description," +said Tom. "You will notice that the +lower plane is much shorter than the upper plane, +and that it has a great spreading tail,—larger +than any other machine now made."</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 526px;"> +<img src="images/illus025.jpg" width="526" height="400" alt="Types of Allied Airplanes" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>"Here is another kind, a little fellow. That +certainly looks different from all the others," said +Alfred, as they stopped in front of a hangar.</p> + +<p>"That's the Sopworth tractor, a fine, speedy +machine, with square ends to the planes, and a +heart-shaped tail. It can be distinguished at any +altitude," answered Tom.</p> + +<p>"I notice that that has different tails," said +Ralph. "Does that make any difference in the +flying?"</p> + +<p>"Not in the least. Shape has nothing to do with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> +it. Surface is all that counts. They are made +with distinctive forms so that they may be easily +distinguished, one from the other."</p> + +<p>"We saw some German airplanes, several dozens +of them, in Belgium, and the only one I could +recognize was the Taube, as they called it. They +have fan-shaped tails," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"But here is the machine for business," said +Tom, as they halted in front of a gaily decorated +hangar, and pointed to a trim little machine, which +was being overhauled.</p> + +<p>"I see you have the Stars and Stripes above the +door," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Yes; and this is my machine; isn't it a +beauty?" said Tom with a considerable show of +pride.</p> + +<p>"What is it? I mean what make?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"It is a French Morane; I have made many +trips in it," said Tom, "and now I am going to +use it against the Dutchies."</p> + +<p>Thus they were conducted from place to place, +visited the machine shop, which had been set up +for repairs, and then inspected the landing field, +which was designed to be illuminated for night +work.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to say that you use the flying machines +at night?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Why, certainly; that is going to be a great +stunt," said Tom. "The only trouble is that +where there are many lights about it is pretty hard +for a pilot to hunt out the landing place, so the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> +authorities have made special provision for returning +aviators to enable them to land with as +much safety as in the daytime."</p> + +<p>"How is it arranged so they can land without +a mistake?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 536px;"> +<img src="images/illus027.jpg" width="536" height="400" alt="Airplanes of the Central Powers" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>"Do you see that tall pylon, over there?" replied +Tom. "That has on it the pilot light, much +more brilliant than anything in sight. Now, look +over to the left, nearly a quarter of a mile away; +that pylon carries a brilliant red light. The other +two pylons to the north and to the south have blue +lights. The aviator knows that the bright light is +to the east of the red light, and that he must make +a landing somewhere between the brilliant light +and the red light, between the limits marked by +the blue lights."</p> + +<p>"I should think that would be easy," said +Ralph.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It is when the night is clear; but the trouble +is that the fog from the channel gives us considerable +trouble, and then we have to glide back and +forth very low to get our bearings, and that is +dangerous business in the night."</p> + +<p>The inspection raised the enthusiasm of the boys +to the highest pitch. For them there was now no +other life than flying, and, indeed, things seemed +to be coming their way. They had learned more +about machines during the two hours thus spent +than they had acquired in all their lives previous +to that time.</p> + +<p>"I want to ask a favor of you," said Alfred, +as they were returning to their quarters.</p> + +<p>"Go ahead," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"I would like to go up in a machine with you," +was the reply.</p> + +<p>Tom stopped, and looked at Alfred. "Do you +really mean it?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Of course I do," replied Alfred.</p> + +<p>"That's what I want to do, too," chimed in +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"It's against the rules to take up any one but +the observers during practice hours; but let me +see,—we may be able to fix it up some other time," +said Tom.</p> + +<p>"Do you have to do much practicing?" asked +Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Only from six to eight hours a day," answered +Tom.</p> + +<p>"What! do you mean practice flying when you +are not scouting?" asked Ralph.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, I should say so," was the answer.</p> + +<p>"How long have you been flying?" asked +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"About two years," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"And still they make you fly every day, for +practice?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Of course," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"And what is that for?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Flying airplanes for war purposes is something +different to ordinary flying. The principal +practice is to learn the methods of attack and defense. +But that is not all. The airplane is the +eye of the army; the observer must know how to +observe. He must be able not only to see, but to +put his knowledge into such form that it can be +handed in in the form of a report. While he may +get the information he must learn that the information +is not for his own gratification, but for the +use of the men in the field," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"Do all the machines carry a pilot and an observer?" +asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Not by any means," answered Tom. "The +first duty of a pilot is to learn how to control his +machine when approaching an enemy, and how to +attack or to avoid him. For that purpose he has +a machine gun which he uses in flying."</p> + +<p>"I had no idea that there was so much to do in +the business," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"That is only part of the practice," continued +Tom. "The most interesting part of the work is +to practice flying in squadron formation, to observe +the signals of the commanding officer and to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> +execute movements. For this purpose two squadrons +oppose each other, and sally forth, the object +being to judge the objects of an attacking +force and to devise means to repel the enemy."</p> + +<p>The boys sat on their improvised bunks until a +late hour that night. They discussed the airplanes; +the men they had met; their work in rescuing +the fallen aviators, and the things they had +learned in this, to them, the most eventful day.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what father would say if he knew we +were going to join the aviation corps?" said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Well, I wonder what he will say when he hears +what we were doing in Belgium," replied Alfred.</p> + +<p>"He must have gotten our letters by this time," +said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Then why doesn't he answer our telegram?" +asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Why, we forgot to go back to the city and inquire +for it," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"That's so; but we've been too busy for that; +we must do that the first thing in the morning," +said Alfred.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> + +<h2><br />CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h2>THE WOUNDED AVIATORS</h2> + +<p><br />They were out early the next morning, and +started for the tramway a mile distant. They +passed Tom's hangar, and stopped for a moment +to take a look at his machine. As they were leaving +they heard his voice:</p> + +<p>"Going to leave us?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"No; but we must go to the city to get our +mail, and we are expecting a telegram," shouted +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Get back by eleven o'clock if you can," was +the answer.</p> + +<p>"We'll be here, sure," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"He must mean that we can have a try in the +machine at that time, I suppose," remarked +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"I imagine that's why he wants us back then," +answered Alfred.</p> + +<p>They covered the mile in record time. The idea +of going up in a machine was a stimulus, and they +talked about it all the way, and wondered what it +would feel like to sail above the earth in a war-machine.</p> + +<p>At the post office they had their first disappointment,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> +and there was nothing at the telegraph office. +They were perplexed at the absence of news, +but consoled themselves with the thought that +transportation from the Swiss frontier might be +in the same condition as at the Western front, so +they decided they would not remain long in the +city.</p> + +<p>The city, containing a population of about +40,000, is located on the sand dunes. It takes its +name from the old church of St. Eloi, and means +<i>church on the dunes</i>. It has been in existence for +over a thousand years, and was owned by the +Dutch, the Spaniards, and the English, before it +became permanent French territory.</p> + +<p>Passing through the principal square, on their +way to the terminus of the tram cars, they saw +crowds of people moving toward the main landing +place of vessels. They followed, and witnessed +the debarkation of the first vessel load of +Red Cross supplies, accompanied by a large corps +of physicians and Red Cross nurses.</p> + +<p>Fully fifty vans were taken from the ship and +lined up, with their equipments, ready for a +prompt start. A number of lorries (large motor +trucks), carrying beds, bedding and like material, +followed, and were placed behind the vans.</p> + +<p>"Do you know where they are going?" asked +Ralph, addressing a young man in uniform.</p> + +<p>"To the general hospital, where they will be assigned +to stations near the front," he replied.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean the general hospital near the +aviation ground?" inquired Alfred.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes," was the answer.</p> + +<p>"Probably we can get a chance to ride there," +said Ralph, addressing Alfred.</p> + +<p>The man overheard the remark, and quickly +turned to the boys.</p> + +<p>"Are you attached to the flying squadron?" he +asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Then they wouldn't object, I am sure," +answered the officer, and he strode forward. +After speaking a few words to one who seemed to +be in charge, he motioned to them.</p> + +<p>"Get in, boys," he said.</p> + +<p>They were quick to respond, and, after thanking +the officer, mounted one of the vans. Inside +were three nurses and two physicians, who smiled +at the boys.</p> + +<p>"So you are going to war, too?" said one of +the nurses, as she made room for them.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Alfred, rather shyly; "we are +going back."</p> + +<p>"Going back?" remarked one of the doctors. +"Did you say 'going back?'" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"Well, we were with the Belgian army from +Liege to Antwerp, and came across the northern +part of Belgium with them," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Then you must have seen some fighting?" +asked one of the others, much interested.</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed; we were in the first battles of the +war," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>The information was certainly an interesting +bit of news. From that time on the boys were the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> +center of interest, and many questions were plied +and answered.</p> + +<p>"But where are you bound now?" asked one of +the doctors. "If I understand correctly, you are +attached to the aviation corps, is that so?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, we are being put up by them, and we may +do some flying in a few days," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"We do hope you will be successful," said one +of the nurses. "Won't you tell us where you are +from?"</p> + +<p>"We are from New York," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Then you are not English?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no," replied Alfred. "But that doesn't +make any difference. It's just the same as though +we were English. We want to help out."</p> + +<p>There was a merry roar of laughter at this, and +Ralph immediately chimed in with a sort of explanation: +"The Germans didn't treat us right, +when they captured us, and, anyhow, they had no +business to attack Belgium."</p> + +<p>"Good for you," said a sweet little miss. "We +like Americans, and especially those like you who +have that spirit."</p> + +<p>The vans covered the ground to the general hospital +in quick time, and the boys were really sorry +when the van drew up before the building, but +they quickly recognized the place where they had +accompanied the injured aviators the previous +day.</p> + +<p>"Ralph, we ought to go in and see the lieutenant +and Jack," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Who are they?" interposed the doctor.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why, they fell with their machine yesterday, +and we helped them out," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"What was the lieutenant's name?" asked the +doctor.</p> + +<p>"Why, we don't know; we forgot to ask for it; +but maybe they will let us in," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Come along," said the doctor. "We'll find a +way to get in."</p> + +<p>They followed him up the steps, and marched to +the office, where the doctor was greeted by many +of those present.</p> + +<p>"Who was it that met with an accident yesterday?" +he asked.</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Winston," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"And was he badly hurt?" almost shrieked the +sweet little nurse who had accompanied the party +in the van.</p> + +<p>"No; he is getting along well," said the attending +physician. "He owes his life to a couple of +brave lads, who happened to be near. He has been +anxious to see the boys, and has asked where they +were."</p> + +<p>"We are the ones who helped him," said Ralph. +"We want to see him; may we?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you, thank you so much," said the +nurse.</p> + +<p>"Do you know him?" inquired Alfred.</p> + +<p>"He is my brother; may we go to him at once?" +she asked.</p> + +<p>"I will take you to him," said the physician.</p> + +<p>"So you are Miss Winston?" said Alfred. +"Isn't it funny how we happened to meet you?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> + +<p>She almost hugged the boys in her joy at the +news, and at her good fortune in thus meeting the +boys who were instrumental in saving her +brother.</p> + +<p>The lieutenant saw his sister approaching arm +in arm with the two boys. The greeting was a +most affectionate one.</p> + +<p>"I met the two boys in Dunkirk; they just happened +to get into our van. We learned after we +got here what they had done. Isn't it noble of +them?" she said.</p> + +<p>"I have tried to find them all day," said the +lieutenant, and he pressed the hands of the boys. +"Yes, I was in an awfully tight place when the +boys found me; but I am all right now."</p> + +<p>They remained with the lieutenant and his sister +for more than an hour. They had entirely forgotten +their appointment with Tom. It was nearly +twelve o'clock.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid we shall have to leave you," said +Ralph. "We promised Tom to be over at the +hangar at eleven."</p> + +<p>"Tom Brandon; the American dare-devil?" +said the lieutenant, smiling.</p> + +<p>"Why, yes," replied Alfred, somewhat hesitatingly. +"Is he a dare-devil?" he continued, with +wide-open eyes.</p> + +<p>"Well, he doesn't seem to be afraid of anything; +I suppose he would go anywhere, if he was +ordered to make the trip. Is your engagement an +important one?" asked the lieutenant, with a curious +light in his eye.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why,—yes,—we—we wanted to take a flight +this afternoon," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Do you think they would let us?" asked Alfred +quickly.</p> + +<p>"Rather against the rules and somewhat risky," +said the lieutenant, slowly shaking his head, but +his face relaxed, as he saw the crestfallen appearance +of the boys. "We can get around the rules +sometimes," he added.</p> + +<p>"Tom said he would try to fix it for us," said +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Then go at once, and tell him that Winston +gave him permission," said the lieutenant. "Do +you think it is safe, Addie?" he asked, turning to +his sister.</p> + +<p>"It seems to me it is safe to trust boys who +have been in battles as they have, don't you?" +she replied sweetly, as she arose and grasped the +boys' hands. "Now, don't forget us, will you?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed; we intend to come over to see you +in the morning," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>The boys fairly flew across the broad grounds +in order to reach the hangar. Their chagrin was +great as they peered in to find that Tom and his +machine were absent.</p> + +<p>"Looking for Tom?" asked one of the men.</p> + +<p>"Yes; do you know where he is?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"He's coming now, I think," was the reply, as +the man approached the door and glanced upward. +"Yes; there he is, winging it in."</p> + +<p>Within two minutes the Morane gave a quick<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> +dive, then flattened out and skimmed the ground, +and just before alighting the nose of the machine +gave a short, quick, upward dart.</p> + +<p>"He does that the slickest of the whole lot. +That was a quick stop, sure enough," remarked +an attendant.</p> + +<p>The machine had landed not two hundred feet +from the hangar. The boys were over without +delay, and accosted Tom, as he reached the +ground.</p> + +<p>"We are sorry that we couldn't get here in +time, but we met Lieutenant Winston's sister coming +over, and we were detained at the hospital," +said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"It's just as well, as I couldn't make it. The +commandant wouldn't give me the time to take +you out," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"But the lieutenant told us to tell you that he +gave you permission to take us," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Did he say that? Well, that's another thing. +I'll tell the commandant," and, without another +word, he crossed the field, and disappeared. He +was back in five minutes, and waved his hat as he +appeared.</p> + +<p>"All right, boys; we'll have an hour's flight; +how will that suit you?" he said.</p> + +<p>The boys were too much excited to know what +to say in reply. Tom walked around the machine, +observing every part of the control plane and the +wires, then mounted the chassis, and with a wrench +unscrewed the base of the machine gun.</p> + +<p>"Here, boys; we'll take this off for the afternoon;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> +it'll give you more room. There, take hold +of it at both ends, and carry it into the hangar," +he said, as he handed down the weapon.</p> + +<p>"Gee! but that weighs something!" said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Close to eighty pounds, I should say," observed +Tom.</p> + +<p>"Where shall we sit?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"You can easily crowd into the hole in front," +said Tom. "Now don't get frightened and jump +out; I can bring you down easier than that. If +it seems to turn over, don't mind. That's part +of the game."</p> + +<p>The Morane was equipped with a self-starter, +but three attendants were on hand to hold the machine. +They took their places and Tom turned +on the switch. Whir-r-r-r-r,—they felt the tremor +of the machine. Soon Tom's hand was raised and +came down with a swift motion. They felt the +machine slowly gain headway, and then it seemed +to spring forward with huge leaps. At first they +could feel the oscillating motion of the wheels, +and as the speed increased there was less jar until +finally there was no further vertical movement, +and they no longer felt the wheels traveling over +the ground.</p> + +<p>"We're up!" shouted Ralph in excitement, as +he turned to Tom. The latter evidently knew what +Ralph meant, even though the noise of the motor +prevented him from hearing, for he merely smiled, +and shook his head.</p> + +<p>Alfred leaned over the side of the body, and +gazed at the wheels, and as he did so something<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> +seemed to push the seat of the aeroplane upwardly. +He quickly turned toward Tom and +smiled. They were in the air. How glorious it +seemed to Ralph and Alfred at that moment. The +feeling was an indescribable one; they were now +going up rapidly; ahead was a tall pylon, which +seemed to be directly in their way.</p> + +<p>Ralph seized Alfred's arm, and pointed toward +it, their eyes being intently fixed on the square +flag which flew above the mast, but the machine +seemed to whiz by it like a streak. After passing +it the machine seemed to slow down. They were +not aware that the closer you are to an object the +faster seems to be the motion. Looking down at +the earth they could note an object for some time, +and as they went further up and up, things on the +earth seemed to pass by with less and less speed.</p> + +<p>The most confusing thing to them was the constant +change of position. Instead of making a +straight-away flight Tom circled around the aviation +field twice, going higher on each turn. The +great hangar was plainly visible each time they +came around, but it grew smaller and smaller.</p> + +<p>The boys leaned over the body of the machine, +and scanned the earth below. It was too grand +and inspiring for words. It was some time before +they began to realize that the hangars were +disappearing, and that the machine was now going +forward in one direction. The country below was +a confused maze of narrow yellow streaks, bordered +by green and yellow spots, with innumerable +rows of dark green and brown bands and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> +patches, which they soon recognized as trees, while +cottages and larger buildings dotted the whole +landscape as far as the eye could reach.</p> + +<p>Alfred was the first to cast his eyes to the +north. What he saw almost startled him. A dark +vivid green spread to the horizon, blending with +a pale mist, far, far away.</p> + +<p>"Look! look!" he cried.</p> + +<p>"That's the sea!" shouted Ralph.</p> + +<p>Tom smiled as he reveled in their joy. He +pointed ahead, and the boys quickly turned. Far +off, in the distance, they saw what seemed to be +immense fields of snow.</p> + +<p>"What can that be?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>Alfred shook his head, and gazed silently, then +turned toward Tom. "Can you make it out?" he +asked Ralph. The latter shook his head.</p> + +<p>The machine went on for ten minutes more. Beyond +the white fields something else arrested their +attention; great clouds of smoke were observed. +They were not clouds, and there was no fire visible +on the earth. That was the second mystery.</p> + +<p>"I know what that is now," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Tents, tents," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and that smoke must come from the big +guns," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>Ralph turned his head toward Tom, and raised +his cap. The latter knew that the boys recognized +the nature of the scene before them.</p> + +<p>"That must be a battle," said Alfred, as he +pointed to the great clouds of smoke.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Look way over to the left," shouted Ralph. +"See that long, narrow road? There is something +moving there."</p> + +<p>"Why, that is cavalry; sure enough. See, they +are turning a corner in the road. That's plain +enough," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if he is going to take us over the +German lines?" queried Ralph.</p> + +<p>"And suppose something happens, and we are +compelled to go down; we'll be in a nice fix," remarked +Alfred.</p> + +<p>Ralph shook his head, and glanced back toward +Tom. The latter, however, soon turned the machine. +As he did so a dozen or more aeroplanes +came into view. They noticed that the machine +was going toward a field where a huge gas bag was +moored near the ground. It was an observation +balloon. Beyond were several dozens of flying +machines drawn up in front of the hangars. Tom +circled the machine around several times; the +earth came nearer, and soon they observed a long +stretch of green that seemed to invite them. In +another minute they were several hundred feet +from the earth, and they seemed to go faster and +faster.</p> + +<p>"Whew! but doesn't it scoot now," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>They grasped the body of the car, while it +seemed to fairly sizzle through the air. Closer +and closer the earth crept up toward them. They +felt that it would be necessary to hold fast when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> +the shock came. The next sensation was most +peculiar; the body of the car began to rock up +and down; the din of the motor had ceased, and +they were riding on the earth.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> + +<h2><br />CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h2>TRENCH WORK WITH THE BRITISH FORCES</h2> + +<p><br />Everyone seemed to know Tom, as he was heartily +greeted on all sides. The appearance of the +boys, however, was a puzzle to the group of aviators.</p> + +<p>"Let me introduce my friends, Ralph and Alfred, +genuine American boys, who were with the +Belgians in their great fight from Liege to Antwerp," +said Tom.</p> + +<p>"How did that happen?" asked one of the men, +as he grasped their hands.</p> + +<p>"We were on the spot when war was declared, +and we just pitched in and helped them out," replied +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Were you in any battles?" asked another.</p> + +<p>"Oh, in a dozen, or so," answered Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Good boys!" shouted several.</p> + +<p>"How did you happen to get here?" asked the +first interrogator.</p> + +<p>"We came over with the Belgians, from Antwerp," +said Ralph.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> + +<p>The foregoing information was enough to introduce +the boys, and they were gratified to find several +other Americans in the party.</p> + +<p>The reception was cut short by the peculiar antics +of a huge Farman machine, which was approaching +in an erratic manner. It seemed to dart +back and forth, and swing around in short circles, +as though wounded.</p> + +<p>"Something is the matter with Le Clere," +shouted Tom.</p> + +<p>At that moment the machine darted toward the +earth, and the boys held their breaths at the anticipated +calamity. Fifty feet from the earth the +machine righted itself, and swooped upward, +then, with a vicious plunge, it went down and +struck the earth, the crash being plainly heard, although +it landed more than five hundred feet from +where they stood.</p> + +<p>Every one on the ground rushed toward the +fallen aviator. Before they reached the scene, two +men extricated themselves, and stood on the debris.</p> + +<p>"What was the matter?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Look at the holes in the wings," said Tom. +"That tells the story; pretty well riddled."</p> + +<p>"Are you all right?" shouted one of the men.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but that was a dandy fight, and we +brought him down," replied Le Clere, a daring +Frenchman, who handled the machine gun.</p> + +<p>The Gnome motor was lying on the ground +twenty feet from the wreckage. One of the planes +was tilted up at an angle, and was uninjured, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> +it carried the marks of twenty holes, through +which the sunlight streamed.</p> + +<p>"That will give you an idea of the fascinating +work we are engaged in," said Tom, pointing to +the bullet marks. The body of the machine was +wrecked, and the fuselage a mass of splinters. It +was, indeed, a mystery how the two flyers escaped +without injury.</p> + +<p>"What will they do with the machine?" asked +Alfred.</p> + +<p>"They'll build up another out of it in two +days," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"The Germans are marching west and south of +Roubaix," said Le Clere. "They have already +reached Mons, and are going straight toward +Paris."</p> + +<p>The boys looked at each other in amazement. +It seemed as though their trip to Paris would be +interrupted, after all. Tom seemed to read their +thoughts.</p> + +<p>"How far is it to Mons?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"About fifty miles south," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"And what is the name of the town which we +saw before we came down?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Lille," was the response. "But we must be +going back," continued Tom. "We are going to +move south in the morning, and I have a few +things to pack up."</p> + +<p>After bidding good-bye to every one, they +climbed into the airplane, and those present gave +the boys a cheer, as the machine glided forward. +Tom had promised to give them an hour's flight,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> +and it was now four o'clock. They had heard +about taking observations, while on the grounds +at Lille, and they busied themselves in trying to +do work of that character. How small the houses +were! They could see little creeping things, that +soon evolved themselves into horses and wagons, +but they seemed unreal.</p> + +<p>The flight to Lille covered a distance of forty-five +miles, and it took them an hour. It didn't +seem that they could have been aloft half of that +time. Now, on returning, the novelty had worn +off, and they were so much interested that they +forgot to look at their watches until the deep blue +haze, which betokened the approach to the sea, +aroused them.</p> + +<p>"Why, it's past five o'clock," said Ralph. +"Tom was going for an hour's flight only," said +Alfred.</p> + +<p>"He just said that in fun, I suppose," replied +Ralph.</p> + +<p>After alighting the boys did not know how to +fully express their appreciation of Tom's kindness +for the great treat, and they inquired whether +they could not be of some service to him, as they +were only too anxious to help him out in any way +that would be useful.</p> + +<p>"Why, no; I don't know what I can put you at," +replied Tom. "Of course, there's always lots to +do about the hangar, and the first thing to learn +is how the machines are built, and how to handle +them; and then, an important thing is to learn all +the tricks in a gasoline engine."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's just what we want to learn," said Alfred, +enthusiastically.</p> + +<p>"But I thought you had to go to Paris to meet +your father?" said Tom.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Alfred ruefully; "but we can +come back. I'm sure there will be no objections."</p> + +<p>"Of course, it's your first duty to go to Paris—that +is, if you can get there," said Tom, rather +slyly.</p> + +<p>There was now nothing for them to do but to +make an effort to reach Paris. Immediately after +landing, they started for the tram way, and +reached Dunkirk after six in the evening.</p> + +<p>"I never was as hungry in my life," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Do you know why?" answered Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Come to think of it, we didn't get anything to +eat at noon," was Ralph's answer.</p> + +<p>After alighting from the cars, their first mission +was to seek a restaurant, and from that point they +soon reached the post office, only to be again disappointed. +At the telegraph office they had the +same bad luck.</p> + +<p>"I wonder where father is?" said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"I suppose we shall have to go, whether we +want to or not," suggested Ralph. "Let us inquire +at the transportation office."</p> + +<p>At the main office they soon learned that the +troops from England were occupying every coach, +motor wagon and bus that was in sight, and that +there was no encouragement in that direction. +But an idea occurred to Alfred.</p> + +<p>"We belong to the army, don't we?" he said.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Suppose we apply as soldiers, and tell them we +must get to Paris at once."</p> + +<p>They reached the main office of the Army transportation +service, and boldly made their way to +the room indicated by an attendant. In a few moments +they were ushered in, and saw at least a +score or more soldiers and officers in the room, at +one end of which sat a white-haired officer, and +several other officers, issuing orders.</p> + +<p>"Your business?" said an officer, approaching +them.</p> + +<p>"We have been with the Belgians, and have just +come from Antwerp. We are Americans, and are +trying to reach Paris, and we wanted to know if +we couldn't go on one of the trains?" explained +Alfred.</p> + +<p>The officer shook his head. "I am sorry to say +that we cannot provide for any one unless connected +with the army," he said.</p> + +<p>"But we are connected with the army," said +Ralph. "We were messengers, and have had a +lively time, too."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and we expect to join the flying corps, but +father expects me in Paris," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>The officer smiled, and pondered a moment. +Then, motioning to them, he passed out of the +room, the boys following. They crossed the hall, +and entered a narrow room.</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant," he said, "issue a permit for +these boys to ride on any available train +to Paris."</p> + +<p>The boys expressed their thanks to the officer,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> +and, after giving their names and home addresses, +they received a card, which stated that the Army +transport service permitted them to ride on any +train where there was available room, at the discretion +of the officer in charge of the train.</p> + +<p>"I should advise you to see the officer at the +station in the morning, and get him to assign you +to a train number, as the quickest way," said +the clerk, as he handed them the permit.</p> + +<p>"Nothing like determination," said Ralph. "It +is bound to pull you through."</p> + +<p>It was too late for them to return to the aviation +field that evening, so after considerable +search, they finally found a room, and after discussing +the events of the day fell asleep, and +awoke long after the sun had risen.</p> + +<p>"We've got to do some hustling," said Ralph. +"We ought to see Tom this morning and tell him +of our good luck."</p> + +<p>They partook of a hasty breakfast, and were at +the station in order to get an assignment. But +this was not an easy matter. They waited for +nearly two hours before they were able to reach +the proper official.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to say that we cannot take you today, +but I will try to make a reservation for you +tomorrow. Come here after four this afternoon," +said the officer.</p> + +<p>"Now for the aviation field," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>They were detained for more than an hour +watching several newly arrived regiments embark +on a train, which slowly pulled out to the south,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> +and it was nearly noon when the grounds were +reached. There seemed to be a change in the +place. The hangars were empty, and no machines +visible. A score of men were taking down the +temporary hangars and from them it was learned +that the entire corps had started at eight o'clock +for the southern station.</p> + +<p>"That's too bad!" said Ralph regretfully. "I +wish we had started back earlier."</p> + +<p>"Then we might go to the hospital," suggested +Alfred.</p> + +<p>The head surgeon remembered the boys. "It's +too bad," he said. "Lieutenant Winston has been +removed to the hospital at Dunkirk, and will leave +for England tomorrow; but his sister is still here,—ah, +here she comes."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I am so glad to see you. Brother asked +for you before he left. If you are going to England, +you must go to see him. He is at Hempstead."</p> + +<p>"We expect to go to Paris tomorrow, and we +are sorry not to be able to see him," Alfred +told her.</p> + +<p>They at once returned to Dunkirk, and awaited +anxiously until four o'clock. Before they had an +opportunity to speak to the officer in charge, he +shook his head, to indicate that there was no room. +They lingered about, but it appeared to be a hopeless +task. Four tracks ran by the station office, +and these were constantly filled with empty cars, +then loaded up, and drawn out. They watched the +proceedings until the sun went down, when tired<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> +and hungry, they crossed the street, entered a coffee +house, and ate a hurried supper.</p> + +<p>As they were moving out the doorway, Ralph +stopped. Turning to Alfred, he said: "We are +chumps; that's about the size of it."</p> + +<p>"Why so?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"We have the permits, haven't we? Why are +we waiting for that fellow at the station to get us +an assignment?" replied Ralph.</p> + +<p>"That's a fact; let's make our own assignment; +come on," answered Alfred. "Is this train going +south?" he asked, addressing a soldier who was +about to enter a half-filled compartment.</p> + +<p>"Aw! I dare say it is," was the jolly response.</p> + +<p>"Get aboard," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>Unabashed, they swung themselves up on the +running board, and entered the compartment. +The occupants glanced at them for a moment, and +seeing the trim uniforms, at once became inquisitive.</p> + +<p>"How did you happen to be directed to this +train?" asked one of them.</p> + +<p>"Oh, we attended to that ourselves," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Our permit's all right, but we couldn't wait +for them to make up their minds when we ought to +go; so here we are," said Ralph, with a laugh.</p> + +<p>"Well, you fellows'll do; but it's a long way to +Tipperary," said a voice, which trailed off into +the tune of the well-known song. His companions +chimed in, and it was not long before the occupants +of the adjoining compartments joined in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> +the song. It was a jolly crowd, but no one seemed +to know where they were going. All had heard +of the rapid advance of the Germans toward Paris, +and that General French was trying to impede +their advance somewhere to the south.</p> + +<p>It was fully nine o'clock that night before the +train made a real start. Before that time they +were pushed around on the various sidings for +an hour, and it was a relief to see the fields and +feel the continual motion of the train as it finally +speeded away.</p> + +<p>There was no time for talk now. Each tried +to find a comfortable place in order to get some +sleep. They dozed and dozed, as most people are +liable to do in uncomfortable surroundings, and +some hours afterwards an orderly appeared at the +door, shouting:</p> + +<p>"All out, men; form in ranks."</p> + +<p>"I suppose we shall have to get out, too," said +Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Why, no; this can't be Paris," replied Ralph.</p> + +<p>"I know bally well it isn't," said a voice.</p> + +<p>That settled it; tired and sleepy they swung off +the running board, and looked at the long lines +forming at the side of the train.</p> + +<p>"Do you know where we are?" asked Ralph, addressing +a soldier at his side.</p> + +<p>"Don't know, my boy; we've had a steady run, +though, for about three hours," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"We are east of St. Quentin; we passed +through the city half an hour ago; this isn't much +of a hill we are on, but the Germans and French<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> +fought a battle on this very spot in the campaign +of 1870-1," said an officer.</p> + +<p>Alfred saluted the officer, and asked: "How far +are we from Paris, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I think it must be fully a hundred miles," was +the reply.</p> + +<p>The men were ordered to line up, and soon the +order came to march. As the boys had no other +place to go, and the train was even then backing +toward the city, they marched alongside of the +column. The tramp was across open fields for a +half-mile, where a road was sighted, but it was +lined with troops, and heavy artillery, going eastwardly.</p> + +<p>The column continued on, parallel with the road. +It was dry, dusty and warm. There was a hum +of sounds, and occasionally a boom or two, which +the boys recognized from their previous experiences. +The most emphatic voices were those of +the drivers, who were piloting the horses drawing +the artillery and caissons. An hour's march +brought them to a small stream, which was crossed +without waiting for boats or hunting for bridges, +as it was easily waded.</p> + +<p>Across the stream they ascended an elevation, +at the crest of which was a line of soldiers busily +at work with spades and pick-axes. Trenches +were being formed. They were cheered by the +workers, but there was no halting. On they went +over level ground, only to meet another line of +men similarly engaged. Several hundred feet beyond +an order came like a shot: "Halt!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> + +<p>An orderly came riding up at full speed, and +looked around. "We are waiting for orders, I +suppose," remarked a lieutenant.</p> + +<p>The orderly put spurs to his horse, and rode +to the right, as he espied a group of horsemen. +"Form your men along this line, and dig in," he +directed.</p> + +<p>The order was given: "File to the right; halt; +stack arms."</p> + +<p>Several lorries, which had been following them, +came up, and at a word of command the men began +to unload shovels and picks. This began to look +like business. It was now growing light, but it +still lacked a half hour before sunrise.</p> + +<p>"Why can't we lend a hand?" inquired Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Of course we can," answered Alfred.</p> + +<p>They were alongside in an instant. Ralph +jumped into the vehicle, and helped to hand out the +implements, while Alfred tried to edge his way +in. Their earnestness attracted the officer in +charge, and he smiled, and nodded his head in approval. +Thus two van loads were dumped out, +and carried forward of the rows of stacked +arms.</p> + +<p>An engineer officer marked out the line of the +trench, and the men were set to work. They were +now doing the job for a <i>real</i> purpose, as during +their month of training in England these men had +been instructed how to go about the business of +making trenches, and it was wonderful to see how +quickly the furrows were dug out. They were +about four feet deep, the earth being thrown up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> +on the side toward the enemy, thus making a +shelter trench five feet deep.</p> + +<p>As soon as the main line was thus completed, +traverses were cut, leading out at right angle to +the rear of the main trench. These were formed +in zig-zag fashion, the object being to form shelter +sections along the entire trench, so that those +within would not be subjected to what is called an +enfilading fire.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p> + +<h2><br />CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h2>ON THE FIRING LINE</h2> + +<p><br />"Look at the guns back there," shouted Ralph, +as the company marched back to get their first +breakfast after three hours of hard work.</p> + +<p>"Come on, boys!" said the corporal in charge, +smiling at the boys. "You've worked pretty hard +for lads of your age; come and have something to +eat."</p> + +<p>"So we will," said Alfred; "but what are the +guns doing back there?" he asked, as he pointed +out a battery which had limbered up and was +wheeling into position.</p> + +<p>"You will see in a few moments," replied the +corporal, and before they reached the mess wagon +the guns began to roar.</p> + +<p>"How far away are the Germans?" asked +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"About two and a half miles, I should judge," +replied the corporal, looking at the battery.</p> + +<p>"How can you tell by looking at the guns?" +asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"By their angle," was the answer.</p> + +<p>Before they ceased speaking, the first shot was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> +fired, then another and another, all of them trial +shots, as one of the soldiers explained. Then another +battery to the left, heretofore unnoticed, began +to fire, while one posted higher up on the right, +and two more beyond, chimed in. This was a new +experience to the boys, as the Belgians, with whom +they had formerly associated, were lacking in field +pieces compared with those they now saw and +heard.</p> + +<p>The challenge was promptly accepted by the +Germans, and within fifteen minutes the whole +crest to the east of them, probably two miles distant, +seemed to be ablaze. It was singular, however, +that none of the missiles fell near the troops +where the boys were located. On a little elevation +to the right of the kitchen vans the boys noticed a +group of officers with field glasses, intently scanning +the rear of their position.</p> + +<p>"The blooming blokes are shooting too far," remarked +a soldier.</p> + +<p>"Why are they doing that?" asked Alfred, who +overheard him.</p> + +<p>"Oh, they'll get the range in time," he replied.</p> + +<p>"There's the first airship, to give them a +pointer," said the corporal, as an airplane appeared +in sight.</p> + +<p>"Two of our machines are coming up," shouted +Ralph. "Now there'll be a fight."</p> + +<p>Ralph was right. The two English machines +steered straight for the oncoming Fokker, the latter +veering to the left in time to prevent too close +a meeting. Within a minute three more German<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> +machines came into sight, their appearance being +answered by four of their own machines, which +came up from the rear, and sailed straight across +above them to the German positions on the crest +of the hill. They were much higher than the German +machines, the reason being that the enemy +had a number of anti-airship guns to meet any +flyers who dared to cross the line at a low altitude.</p> + +<p>It was, indeed, an interesting sight to observe +the numerous airplanes, which were employed by +the two forces. They seemed to be flying back and +forth in the utmost confusion, and, frequently, +puffs of smoke would indicate that they were firing +at each other.</p> + +<p>The corporal with whom the boys talked seemed +to be unusually well informed, and quite a number +of the soldiers addressed him for information.</p> + +<p>"How do they recognize an enemy?" asked +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's an easy matter," he replied. "I +suppose the flyers in the air do it on the same +principle that we are in the habit of recognizing +automobiles. Why, I have a lad not ten years old +who can tell the make of almost any auto the moment +he sees it. Generally, if the make of the +plane is similar to those attached to the aviator's +side he is able to recognize it by the special mark +it carries."</p> + +<p>"What mark do you mean?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Why, the English and the French mark is in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> +the form of a circle, generally three, each circle +being of a different color," was the answer.</p> + +<p>"There is one,—why, it's red, white and blue," +said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"That's correct,—those are the colors of the +Allies."</p> + +<p>"What are the German colors?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/illus060.jpg" width="500" height="301" alt="Allies' Distinguishing Mark" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><i>Allies' Distinguishing Mark</i></span> +</div> + +<p>"Black and white," said the corporal.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, they have a cross," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Yes; a cross in imitation of the iron cross, so +far as its shape is concerned," he answered; "that +is, a black cross on a white field."</p> + +<p>The company marched back to the line. During +the next half hour there was nothing but expectancy, +waiting, waiting,—that most trying +thing for soldiers, who know that a battle is impending. +Then a hundred feet to their rear there +was a terrific explosion, which startled every one.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> +This was followed by others, but none reached +the trench line.</p> + +<p>Thus, during the whole day, there was an exchange +of artillery, the greatest damage being +done to those in the rear who were trying to get +to the front.</p> + +<p>"With the long range guns the great danger +isn't always with the fellows in front," said the +corporal.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/illus061.jpg" width="500" height="276" alt="Black Cross on German Flyers" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><i>Black Cross on German Flyers</i></span> +</div> + +<p>At four that afternoon the company was startled +by an order to leave the trenches and fall to the +rear. Every one cast questioning glances, but the +knapsacks and rolls were quickly seized, and +within ten minutes they were in line with the regiments +to the right and the left. There was no +hurrying or disorder.</p> + +<p>"I wonder why we are going back?" asked +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"I suppose it's our business to retreat," returned +the corporal.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> + +<p>They marched fully a mile to the rear, passing +on the way at least half a dozen lines of trenches, +which had been thrown up since the boys covered +the ground the night before. Every trench line +was filled with soldiers, those in the front being +the first to retire. On the way they saw how the +great shells had played havoc with many of the +works.</p> + +<p>They again crossed the river, and at six o'clock +that night a new line was formed, and the spades +and picks were again brought into use. The booming +of cannon was incessant, and, although they +tried to get some sleep after midnight, they were +frequently aroused by the marching of troops. +At daylight they were again marched out of the +trenches, and a quarter of a mile from the last +trench halted to partake of breakfast.</p> + +<p>The march was directly south, and at noon they +reached a town of some importance, called +Chauny. They went through without halting, +crossed the river Oise, and at four o'clock halted +on the eastern banks of a stream, which flowed +northwardly. Here they waited for orders. A +picturesque bridge spanned the stream, and the +boys wandered across. West of the river was a +broad expanse of country, perfectly level, and +thousands of people from the nearby villages lined +the road, all crossing to the west.</p> + +<p>All were excited, and seemed to be going toward +the narrow road, which led to the left, and, naturally, +the boys followed the movement of the +crowd. Their curiosity was soon satisfied, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> +beyond was a sight which caused their hearts to +beat with joy. Fully a dozen airplanes were +drawn up in line, and the boys started forward +on a run that seemed to instill the same activity +in many others present.</p> + +<p>"There's a Morane," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Yes; and that's Tom getting out of the machine," +shouted Alfred, as they rushed up and +greeted Tom, who looked at them in astonishment.</p> + +<p>"And how did you get here?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"Came over with the troops," explained Alfred.</p> + +<p>"With what troops?" he was asked.</p> + +<p>"Don't know," answered Ralph, "but they are +from Essex."</p> + +<p>"Well, we've been on duty for a day directly +over the lines east of St. Quentin," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"Did you have a fight?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"I should say we did," answered Tom. +"Brought down two, at any rate, and it was pretty +hot for about an hour. So you are on your way +to Paris; sorry you didn't get back before we +started," he added.</p> + +<p>"We got to the grounds several hours after you +left," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Glad you came; we can put you up, if you are +willing," remarked Tom.</p> + +<p>"Thank you for the invitation; we helped them +on the trenches and have done considerable marching, +so it's better than going back to camp," said +Ralph.</p> + +<p>The boys were up early in the morning, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> +didn't have the least idea what steps to take to +continue their journey. Everything in the way +of transportation was reserved for the troops. +Thousands of people were leaving their homes, +and people with household effects, mounted on all +sorts of conveyances, were noted on all sides, although +at this time the Germans were not within +ten miles of the river. The nearest railway to the +south, which ran east and west along the southern +bank of the river Aisne, was fully ten miles distant +from this point.</p> + +<p>Tom was on hand early, and greeted the boys +most affectionately.</p> + +<p>"I have been thinking I might be able to help +you out a bit," he said, after a little talk. "We +are ordered to the station near Villers-Cotterets, +and that's only forty miles from Paris."</p> + +<p>"How can you help us?" inquired Ralph excitedly.</p> + +<p>"Probably I can give you a lift in the machine," +he said.</p> + +<p>"How far is that from here?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Twenty miles," replied Tom, and the two boys +looked at each other hopefully, as he left them.</p> + +<p>Tom re-appeared at three o'clock, and informed +them that they would start in fifteen minutes.</p> + +<p>"If you are ready for the trip, jump in and +make yourselves comfortable," he said, and they +required no second invitation.</p> + +<p>The dainty Morane just suited them, and they +were in their seats in an instant. Tom then tossed +them a light package, which they tucked away, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> +the engine began to buzz. As they glanced around, +two more machines seemed to vie with them in taking +the air, then, as they again looked around, four +more machines began to move, and soon all were +on the wing, flying side by side, excepting two +large Farman machines, which were well in the +lead.</p> + +<p>Up, up, up, they went, the machines on line with +each other maintaining a height of about four +thousand feet, while the Farmans were about five +hundred feet higher. Within a half hour they saw +in the distance what appeared to be a silver ribbon +running east and west, which proved to be the +river Aisne, and to the east they saw the city of +Soissons. The beautiful aviation ground was +reached within an hour, and they alighted in front +of a magnificent group of hangars in the center of +well-tilled fields, so located as to afford a view in +all directions from the grounds. The machine was +then put up for the night, and Tom and the boys +were glad to turn in for a much-needed rest.</p> + +<p>It was now the first day of September, and there +had been nearly one month of war. The immense +German forces had hewn their way through Belgium +and entered France, reaching the cities of +Laon, Epernay, and Chalons-sur-Marnek, thus +forming a huge circle. They were within forty-five +miles of Paris.</p> + +<p>When the boys awoke the next morning the first +words that greeted them were: "The Germans +are within five miles of Soissons."</p> + +<p>They rushed over to the hangar, but the machine<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> +and Tom were not to be found. This was +another source of grief to them, and they stared +about, and wondered at this new turn of affairs +until, meeting an attendant, Ralph inquired:</p> + +<p>"Do you know where the Morane has gone?"</p> + +<p>"They all started on a reconnoitering trip at +five this morning," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Do you think they will come back here?" asked +Alfred.</p> + +<p>"That is doubtful," answered the man.</p> + +<p>"Then we shall have to make our way to Paris +as best we can," said Ralph. "Do you think we +would have any chances on the railroad?"</p> + +<p>"It's doubtful. I should take my chances over +the highway directly south, if I wanted to make +Paris," answered the man. Then, after a little +reflection, he added: "A large English force is expected +to be here from Laon, and it may arrive before +noon. Possibly the flyers will return, but if +the German forces are too close, they will go on +to the next station at Crepy, directly south of this +place."</p> + +<p>"Then that's the place for us," proposed Alfred, +as he thanked their informant.</p> + +<p>They had no trouble in getting breakfast and +after waiting for an hour, during which all sorts +of rumors were floating about, they concluded that +their only course would be to commence the trip. +It was not necessary for them to inquire the way, +as the highway, in the distance was filled with +fugitives, all trying to get to Paris, or, at least, +to avoid the invaders while there was yet time.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p> + +<p>Reaching the highway, they moved along with +the procession, and, shortly before twelve o'clock, +reached Crepy, ten miles from Soissons. They +were now twenty-five miles from the center of +Paris, and after getting a good meal they again +took up the march over a beautiful road, which +ran southeast.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> + +<h2><br />CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h2>VIGOROUS RED CROSS WORK</h2> + +<p><br />A mile from the town they came within sight +of a cross road, filled with an immense concourse, +which seemed to be wending its way east. Approaching +nearer, they recognized troops, artillery +and horsemen, the latter moving along in the +fields parallel with the roadway.</p> + +<p>"It seems to me the firing is much nearer than +when we started out this morning," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>As they passed through the marchers, and proceeded +along the highway, they saw that troops +were noticed posted everywhere, and that batteries +were lying in wait in every advantageous spot.</p> + +<p>"I think we made a mistake in taking this road. +We should have traveled the one which went to the +west," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Then let's go out the first road that crosses +this," replied Alfred.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the sounds of battle came nearer and +nearer. The artillery posted on the elevation began +to speak, and before there was time to realize +it the boys were within the battle zone, and bearing +down on the road along which they were traveling.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> +They had no trouble, however, in leaving +the road, as all the fences were down, and many +of the fields were cut up with the hoofs of horses, +and creased by the huge artillery wheels.</p> + +<p>To add to the confusion, shells began to fall all +about them, and occasionally a terrific explosion +would follow, leaving them dazed and startled. +They ascended a hill, and, looking back, saw nothing +but dense clouds of smoke, and a scene of indescribable +confusion.</p> + +<p>"What's that down there?" shouted Alfred, +pointing to a group of vans close by the side of a +stream.</p> + +<p>"That must be a Red Cross station; so it is," +said Ralph.</p> + +<p>Their footsteps were hurried, but before the +place was reached they saw stretcher bearers, and +also noticed the wounded being unloaded from a +field van. Glancing to the left they saw fully a +dozen vans of like character, as indicated by the +great red crosses on their sides, rushing up the +narrow street from the southeast.</p> + +<p>"Let's give them a hand," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>A business-looking surgeon stood at the rear +end of one of the vans, as the boys approached. +They saluted. "Can we do anything to help out?" +asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>The doctor looked at them for a moment, apparently +non-plussed at their appearance.</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed; we need you and many more willing +ones like you."</p> + +<p>"What shall we do?" asked Alfred.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p> + +<p>The surgeon drew a pad from his pocket, wrote +a few words on it, handed it to the boys, and said: +"Present this to the officer yonder."</p> + +<p>The officer indicated received the slip, while directing +the disposition of a wounded soldier, +glanced at it hurriedly, then looked at the boys. +"Ah, want to get on duty? We can accommodate +you; there, put those stretchers in the van. One +of you can take this to the supply van," he said. +Ralph seized the paper, and looked about.</p> + +<p>"The van with the flag on it," explained the officer.</p> + +<p>Ralph rushed across the intervening space, and +presented the paper to a Red Cross nurse, who +smiled sweetly as she glanced at the paper, and +looked inquiringly at Ralph. She then turned, +seized three packages, and handed them to Ralph, +while he thanked her and quickly rushed away. +The packages were stored in the van, water was +supplied to the containers in the vehicle, and the +moment the last article was on board, the van +started.</p> + +<p>The boys were both within, as well as three men +and a surgeon. They had heard no orders, but +knew they were bound for the battlefield. There +was no talking indulged in. The men were too +intently engaged in listening to the din of the +conflict, and watching the soldiers moving to and +fro.</p> + +<p>"Has there been much of a fight?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"They have been at it all morning," said one +of the men. Then, glancing at the boys, he continued:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> +"But this is a bad place for you youngsters."</p> + +<p>"I am afraid you will regret it before you return. +The scenes are awful," continued the man.</p> + +<p>"We know what it is," said Alfred. "We saw +the worst kind of fighting in Belgium."</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus071.jpg" width="600" height="316" alt="French and German Flags" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>"We were with the English in the battle east of +Soissons, and had some experience there," said +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Aren't you English?" asked the surgeon.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no; we're Americans," replied Alfred.</p> + +<p>At this point a lieutenant rode up alongside, and +shouted: "There has been a tough scrap at the +mill; we have driven the Germans back; take this +road down to the river; you will find plenty of +poor fellows there who will need you."</p> + +<p>The French had made a terrific charge at this +point, and many were lying dead, where the van +slowed down, so as to give the surgeon and helpers +an opportunity to pick out the wounded cases.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p> + +<p>Wherever there was a movement in a prone figure +the men stopped and made an examination. In +some cases the wounds were hurriedly dressed, +and the victim's position rendered comfortable. +In other cases the surgeon motioned to the helpers, +who quickly brought the stretchers, and carried +the wounded into the van.</p> + +<p>On this single trip they attended, or gave first +aid to thirty, but only the most severely injured +were taken into the van, which now turned and +quickly speeded along the narrow road to the field +hospital. Reaching this station the men were carefully +taken out, their wounds re-examined, and +carried into a temporary shelter for a second operation +or treatment.</p> + +<p>A huge van then arrived from the southwest. +Carefully and tenderly eight men were placed on +the cots within, the boys being delegated to assist. +When the order was given to leave, the boys +remained in the van, as it started out on its journey, +but they didn't have the least idea where it +was bound, although you may be sure they were +curious to know.</p> + +<p>After every one had settled down,—that is, if +such a thing as quiet and comfort were possible +in a van load of wounded men, Ralph turned to +the surgeon, and said. "Where are we going?"</p> + +<p>"To Paris, if we can get through," was the reply.</p> + +<p>The van had a wonderful set of springs, so that, +although it was necessary hour after hour to go +through fields, instead of traveling along the road,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> +there was little discomfort to the wounded men.</p> + +<p>"Why are the men being taken to Paris?" asked +Alfred.</p> + +<p>"So as to relieve the emergency station behind +the battle front," explained the surgeon. "That +is one thing; the other is, that the great German +forces are driving in our comparatively small +army, until the Paris forts are reached. There +they will be stopped, and we must take our +wounded with us, and out of the reach of the enemy."</p> + +<p>At Dammartin they saw the first Red Cross railway +van,—an entire train load, filled with wounded +from the emergency stations, and here also they +were joined by fifteen vans taking the wounded on +to the city. It was thus a fortunate stroke for the +boys that they undertook to help the field hospital +workers, for it directly assisted them in their effort +to reach the end of their journey.</p> + +<p>Traveling was slow, and many detours were +necessary, so it was not until the fourth day of +September that they caught sight of the walls of +Paris, and they soon had the pleasure of driving +over the beautiful smooth streets again. They +went directly to the center of the city, passed down +the rue de l'Opéra, through the Place de la Concorde, +and over the bridge to a hospital near the +Place des Invalides.</p> + +<p>Their charges in the van were soon provided +for, and carried into comfortable berths. As they +were leaving the ward, they heard a weak voice +calling: "Ralph; Alfred."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> + +<p>They were startled, and turned around with +wondering glances. A nurse motioned to them, +and pointed toward a figure with bandaged head +and arms. They approached.</p> + +<p>"You don't know me, I suppose?" said the +voice.</p> + +<p>"No,—no," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"I believe it's Tom," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Right," said the voice.</p> + +<p>The boys knelt down at his side at once. "How +did it happen?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Well, they got me first; but I brought down +two of them before I was hit," Tom told them.</p> + +<p>"What became of the machine?" was Alfred's +next question.</p> + +<p>"I don't remember anything about it," was the +reply, "but they told me it made fine kindling +wood."</p> + +<p>"Too bad!" consoled Alfred. "I liked that little +Morane; and to think it's all broken up."</p> + +<p>"How did you get here?" asked Tom.</p> + +<p>"Why, we came down with the Red Cross people," +explained Ralph.</p> + +<p>"You seem to get into all sorts of trouble, all +along the line," said Tom with an attempt to +laugh.</p> + +<p>"But are you badly hurt?" inquired Alfred +anxiously.</p> + +<p>"The doctors say that there are only a few +bones broken, several joints wrenched out of +shape, and some of the bark peeled off, but I ought +to be out in a few weeks," said Tom.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Tell us what we ought to do now?" Alfred +asked him.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Why, I want to know whether they will expect +us to keep on in the Red Cross service?"</p> + +<p>"You volunteered, didn't you?" replied Tom. +"You helped them out of your free will, and you +can leave whenever you want to, if that's what you +are getting at."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't mind volunteering in the aviation +corps," said Ralph. "I would just like——"</p> + +<p>"So they got you this time, eh?" said a voice.</p> + +<p>The boys turned, and saw a handsome man with +the uniform of a lieutenant in the aviation service, +who approached, and leaned over Tom. Tom +replied with a smile, and raising his injured hand, +pointed to the boys.</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant," he said, "I want you to get acquainted +with two of my American friends, who +have been in the thick of it right from the start. +Now you'll be conferring a special favor if you +can take them in to help you out. Oh, they're +bricks," continued Tom, as he saw a shade of discouragement +in the lieutenant's features, "they +are made of the right stuff."</p> + +<p>"We leave for Verdun in the morning," said the +lieutenant, "but I will see what can be done in the +meantime."</p> + +<p>As they left the hospital the first thought was +to go to the Continental Hotel to try to get a trace +of Alfred's father. Arriving there a letter was +handed them, together with two telegrams from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> +Berne, Switzerland, one of the messages having +been received that very day. The missives informed +him that his father had not been able to +leave German territory until the twenty-eighth of +August, and as he had received word that the Germans +were approaching Paris he thought it unwise +to make the trip to that point, but would +await word from them before deciding what to do.</p> + +<p>"How far is it from Berne to Verdun?" Alfred +asked the clerk.</p> + +<p>"About three hundred kilometers," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Let's see; that's about two hundred miles," +said Alfred. "And it's a hundred and fifty miles +to Verdun.</p> + +<p>"Then we'll go to Verdun," said Ralph. "But +how?"</p> + +<p>The subject was debated for an hour, when it +was decided to return to the hospital. They had +forgotten to learn the lieutenant's name, although +probably Tom knew how to reach him, they reasoned.</p> + +<p>Arriving at the hospital they learned that Tom +was asleep, and that no one would be permitted +to see him, so they wandered around without the +slightest idea what course to pursue. They even +discussed the feasibility of walking to Verdun, but +that idea was soon abandoned.</p> + +<p>"I wonder where the aviation grounds are?" +remarked Ralph.</p> + +<p>They soon learned that several corps were located +at the great race course in the Bois de Boulogne,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> +and they were soon on the underground +railway speeding to the nearest station in that +vicinity. Arriving at the grounds they approached +the entrance, and their hearts sank as +they saw a great crowd gathered, and one after +the other turned away.</p> + +<p>"Chances of getting in seem to be pretty slim," +said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Well, we might try it, anyhow," said Ralph, +as he pushed forward.</p> + +<p>They marched up to the gate, and passed +through without the least objection on the part +of the guards. This was the greatest surprise to +both. They had forgotten that the uniforms they +wore gave them admittance without question. +Evidently they were taken for army messengers.</p> + +<p>"See that American flag?" shouted Ralph.</p> + +<p>"That's the place for us," replied Alfred.</p> + +<p>Accordingly, they lost no time in making for the +hangar on which the emblem appeared. They saw +a Farman machine partly outside of the hangar, +and in the body of it was seated a ruddy-faced +chap.</p> + +<p>"What's up?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Came over to help you out," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>He looked down, and slowly said: "You did, +eh?"</p> + +<p>"Well, we've seen a little active service at the +front, so far," explained Ralph, "been in battle +several times, have been captured by the Germans, +helped to build trenches, worked with the Red +Cross people, and had a few flights in an airplane,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> +and as we like aviation business best of all, +we thought we'd come over and go to work."</p> + +<p>The airman raised himself, sat down on the +side of the car body, and commenced to laugh, although +Ralph's remark was said without the least +tinge of pride or boasting. Several from the adjoining +hangars came in to learn the cause of the +boisterous mirth.</p> + +<p>"Well, that's fresh enough to come from real +American boys," he said, after he had sobered +down a little.</p> + +<p>"That's right; we're from the United States; +we came here because we saw the flag on the outside; +what shall we do the first thing?" said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"From America?" said the man, climbing down +from the machine. "And you are regular Yankees? +Well, well; that's too good! I'm something +of an American myself. By jingo, you're +the kind of fellows to have around. Want a job? +Where did you get your uniforms? They look all +right."</p> + +<p>"Oh, these are Belgian uniforms. We were +with them, you know, and had a pretty hot time, +too," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>This information, as they now knew, was the +best credential possible, and they were soon the +center of an admiring crowd. Somehow the determined +matter of fact and positive way which +the boys adopted had the effect of winning their +way, and it was thus that they had the satisfaction +of entering a service which it is a most difficult<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> +thing to do even with the best credentials.</p> + +<p>The happiness of the boys was complete when +their new friend told them to get up on the machine, +and help him to take out the engine. Coats +came off in a hurry, and they looked around for +some substitute to protect their clothing.</p> + +<p>Their friend supplied the necessary articles at +once remarking as he did so that he ought to know +their names.</p> + +<p>After this information was supplied, he remarked: +"My name is Martin; Bill Martin, Fifth +Aviation Corps; don't forget the Corps or you +may have trouble in getting into the grounds; +and, by the way, how did you happen to get +through?"</p> + +<p>"If you mean the gates, why, we just walked +right through," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Just as though you had a right to do so!" said +Martin, as he again commenced to laugh. "You +said you were up in an airplane; where was that?"</p> + +<p>"Up at Dunkirk, and back of the firing line, +south of the St. Quentin," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Do you know Tom Watkins?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Do I know Tom? Why, we came over together; +poor fellow, he got a bad fall," said Martin.</p> + +<p>"We heard about it and saw him at the hospital +today," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"You don't say? So you've been flying with +Tom? I'm glad to know that," said Martin, as +he nodded his head approvingly.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p> + +<h2><br />CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h2>BOUND FOR VERDUN</h2> + +<p><br />For three days more the boys wandered about +Paris,—three days of the most fearful suspense; +and then began the battle of the Marne. Every +airplane in and about Paris was at the front, on +the line somewhere, and the boys were deprived +of the opportunity to see the new friend they had +made at the Bois de Boulogne station.</p> + +<p>They were so sure of being able to go to Verdun +that Albert wrote to his father of their plans, +in the hope that he would consider it wise to leave +Switzerland for that point, where they might meet.</p> + +<p>The Germans had been defeated; Paris was +safe, the French line having held firmly all the +way to Verdun. The determination to go there +was firmly fixed in their minds, but they could see +no way to accomplish the purpose. A visit to +Tom at the hospital only resulted in their being +told that the lieutenant was in the field, no one +knew where.</p> + +<p>"I have an idea," said Ralph, as they emerged +from their room one morning.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"We might get attached to the Red Cross some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> +way, and that would be sure to take us to the +front," replied Ralph.</p> + +<p>"That would be just as hard as to get in with +the flying people," answered Alfred.</p> + +<p>"That may be so, too, but I can't see any other +way."</p> + +<p>They again called at the Continental Hotel in +the hope that there might be some further news. +To their surprise they found a letter from Alfred's +father with a check for their personal expenses. +While reading the letter they overheard +a conversation which gave them the solution, as +they thought, of their difficulties.</p> + +<p>"No," said a voice, "they will not ticket us to +any point near the firing line, but we might go to +St. Dizier, and from there work our way north."</p> + +<p>"Good idea; let's book at once," said the second +voice.</p> + +<p>"Come on," said Alfred. "That's the right +tip. Let's find out where St. Dizier is."</p> + +<p>The clerk informed them: "It is about a hundred +and sixty miles east of Paris."</p> + +<p>"Then it can't be far from Verdun," remarked +Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Sixty miles southwest, I should judge," was +the answer.</p> + +<p>"Do you think we would have any trouble in +reaching that point?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"I think the trains are still running, but they +may not adhere to the regular schedule. The line +runs south of the war zone, you know," said the +clerk.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p> + +<p>That settled it. They hurried to the Banque +Française, and having secured currency for the +check, started for the booking office as fast as +they could walk. It was impossible at this time +to get a conveyance as only the underground railways +and a few tram cars were in service, the +government having requisitioned all the horses, +and automobiles a week previous to this time.</p> + +<p>They booked second class, the official stating +that the tickets were sold at the risk of the holders, +and that they would have to take their chances +on the trains, so they were at the eastern railway +station before one o'clock, in the hope that the +regular through train at two that day would be +able to accommodate them. In this they were disappointed, +so they waited about until five o'clock, +and had the good fortune to have the tickets accepted +by the gateman.</p> + +<p>They passed through an immense crowd of +newly arrived soldiers, and were jostled about by +hosts of men, women and children who were departing +for the southeast, most of them bound +for Chaumont. Within an hour they finally found +a train bound for their destination, but it was another +hour before the train began to move.</p> + +<p>The trip was a weary one all through the night, +as they seemed to stop at every station, although +it was the fast express. The intense excitement +of the people all along the line; the passing of +trains; the crying out of the latest news; and the +bustle of the new arrivals in the already crowded +compartments, made sleep impossible. The sun<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> +had been up two hours before the station of St. +Dizier was announced.</p> + +<p>The boys were out and scampering along the +platform ahead of most of the crowd. As they +passed out the end of the station they noticed a +sign on a train: "For Bar-le-Duc, 10 o'clock."</p> + +<p>"Let's see where that place is," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>The information was obtained. It was twenty +kilometers northeast.</p> + +<p>"That's the place we must go; it's twenty miles +toward Verdun, and now is our time," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Let's have something to eat first," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>After the meal they booked for Bar-le-Duc, and +this train started promptly. Only two coaches +were reserved for civilians, the others being filled +with soldiers. The town, which was reached +shortly before noon, had the appearance of an +armed camp. Here they received the startling +news that the Germans were at St. Mihiel, thirty-five +miles northeast of that place.</p> + +<p>There was no sign of panic there, however. +Verdun, Toul and Nancy were still intact, and +there was no fear that either place would +yield.</p> + +<p>Before they had been in the city an hour they +saw a dozen or more airplanes overhead, and it +was not long thereafter until they learned that +one of the most famous stations belonging to the +flyers was located north of the place. A conveyance +was readily obtained, as a line of busses paralleled +the railway track, and in another hour they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> +were on the plateau where the great hangars were +located.</p> + +<p>As they were crossing the field, and approaching +the first tier of hangars the boys noticed the +two men whose conversation had been overheard +in the Continental hotel. "They are the very +men," said Alfred; "I wonder what they are here +for?"</p> + +<p>The men stopped and looked at the boys for an +instant. Ralph approached them and said, with +a smile: "You beat us here after all."</p> + +<p>The men appeared to be puzzled at being thus +addressed. Alfred saw that they did not understand +Ralph's greeting, and said: "We are under +obligations to you for telling us how to get here, +and I want to thank you."</p> + +<p>"I don't exactly understand," said one of the +men.</p> + +<p>"We heard you talking about making this trip, +and as we wanted to get to the front without knowing +just how to do it, your conversation helped us +out," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"I'll bet you're American boys," said one of +them, laughing.</p> + +<p>"Indeed, we are," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Belong to the service?" asked the other.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes," answered Ralph,—"that is, we did +belong to it."</p> + +<p>"Which branch?" asked the man.</p> + +<p>"Messenger service in Belgium, aviation and +trench service with the English, and Red Cross +in the French army," answered Alfred.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> + +<p>This response was answered by hearty laughter +on the part of both men, and one of them responded: +"That is a pretty comprehensive service, +I should say."</p> + +<p>"Where are you from?" asked the other.</p> + +<p>"New York," answered Ralph. "Why, you +look like Americans, too."</p> + +<p>"We're from the same place," was the answer.</p> + +<p>"And you look like newspaper men," remarked +Alfred.</p> + +<p>"That's a good guess," was the reply. "But +how did you know?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I saw you taking notes as we walked across +the field," answered Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Good inference," he replied. "Are you looking +for a job?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, we're going into the aviation service," +answered Ralph, with all the assurance of a winner.</p> + +<p>"See you again," was the final reply, as the two +men left them.</p> + +<p>"Now, I wonder if they have any American flags +at this place?" remarked Ralph.</p> + +<p>They marched back and forth without a sign +of that much desired emblem. At one of the hangars +two men were tugging at a machine, and +slowly bringing it out of the hangar. Without a +word the boys sprang forward and assisted in the +operation, an act which brought thanks from the +men. Then, more in curiosity than anything else, +they slowly walked around the machine and examined +its construction.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> + +<p>The aviator watched them for a few moments. +Evidently, to his mind, the boys knew all about +flying machines, or, at least, must have had some +acquaintance with them. This seemed to interest +him, and he began a conversation with them. He +soon learned their history, and bestowed words of +praise on them for what they had done.</p> + +<p>"So you want to be aviators, eh?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and we'll do anything to get in," said +Alfred.</p> + +<p>"To be aviators in the service of the Government +it will be necessary to take the Regulation +course," said the man.</p> + +<p>"There isn't time for that," said Ralph. "We +can help out now, even if we don't do any flying, +can't we?"</p> + +<p>The man chuckled. "I suppose you can tighten +up bolts, examine, and stretch the stay wires, and +things like that?" he remarked.</p> + +<p>"As well as take out the engine and overhaul +it," added Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Well, yes; that's a pretty good job; do you +think you could do that?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Why, yes; we know something about it," replied +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Well, stay around here; we want some handy +fellows; but I'm afraid you'll have a hard job +to get on the pay roll," he added.</p> + +<p>"Never mind about that end of it; we want to +be doing something; that's the main thing," said +Alfred.</p> + +<p>It would not be interesting to go through the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> +long details of work that the boys entered into +under those circumstances. Each day for more +than two months the boys found plenty of work to +do. They became general favorites at the camp, +and while their services were not recognized in an +official way, as the regulations did not permit of +the employment of minors, still, in view of the fact +that they had such an interesting history, and had +entered into the work with such zest the commandant +at the station permitted them to remain, and +eventually provided them with rations and quarters, +to which was added a small pay, such as attached +to those in the messenger service.</p> + +<p>During this period the boys had many opportunities +to go aloft on practice drills, and on more +than one occasion they had the privilege of operating +the machines while in flight, accompanied, of +course, by the regular pilots. Attached to the station +were a half-dozen machines used for the purpose +of teaching control, and to enable pupils to +become familiar with the handling of the machines. +They were designed merely to skim the ground, +the power being so limited that they could not be +raised from the ground except for very short +glides. These the boys frequently used, and the +experienced aviators were greatly pleased at their +wonderful progress. It was a strict rule, however, +that none but regularly licensed aviators should +pilot the government machines, and that prohibited +them from handling the machines on regular +service.</p> + +<p>It was during the second week of the third<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> +month that the boys had the first opportunity of +showing their capabilities. During a trial flight +with sub-lieutenant Guyon, while at an altitude +of five thousand feet, Ralph noticed the machine +dart downwardly, and, glancing back, saw Guyon's +head fall forward, and his hand drop from the +lever.</p> + +<p>Without waiting to inform Alfred he crawled +out of the pit, and seizing the control lever, +pushed it back in time to bring the ship to an even +keel. Alfred saw the motion, and followed Ralph. +Together they succeeded in drawing the pilot to +one side, thus enabling Ralph to let himself down +into the position which enabled him to handle the +lateral controls, that were operated by the +feet.</p> + +<p>With Ralph thus fully in control of the machine, +Alfred turned his attention to poor Guyon, +who tried to raise his head, and occasionally +gasped, as though trying to recover his breath. It +was not until the machine was nearing the earth +that he opened his eyes, and seemed to realize his +position, but he was too weak to give any instructions +or render assistance.</p> + +<p>Ralph made a good landing, and the moment +the machine ceased to move Alfred jumped from +it, and ran to the office of the surgeon.</p> + +<p>"Something is the matter with the lieutenant!" +he cried, as he entered the door.</p> + +<p>"What is the trouble? Where is he?" asked the +surgeon, as he moved out of the door in response +to Alfred's appeal.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He was taken sick while we were in the air," +said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"And how did you happen to get down safely?" +asked the surgeon.</p> + +<p>"We took charge of the machine," replied Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Who are <i>we</i>?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Ralph and myself; we were up with him."</p> + +<p>The lieutenant was being taken from the machine +when the surgeon arrived. Restoratives +were at once applied, and within a half hour the +attack seemed to wear itself away, and he began +to show a normal color.</p> + +<p>His eyes rested on Alfred when he awoke from +the first quiet nap, and raising his hand approvingly +said: "That was a good job, Alfred; couldn't +have been better."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"You brought us down all right, I mean," he +replied.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Ralph did that," was the reply of Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Well, no matter; you fellows didn't get rattled; +that's the main thing," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>An incident of this kind could not remain a +secret long in a camp of this character. The Commandant +took particular occasion to commend +them for their performance, and it was a long step +in their favor when the corps moved to the north +to take its place in the great aviation camp directly +south of Verdun.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> + +<h2><br />CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h2>AN AEROPLANE AMIDST THE LIGHTNINGS</h2> + +<p><br />Two days after the occurrence related in the +preceding chapter, the first section of the Corps +was ordered to proceed to the Verdun station. +Lieutenant Guyon belonged to this part of the +force, and, as he had now recovered, was instrumental +in securing the assignment of the boys to +his care.</p> + +<p>"Then we can go along?" asked Ralph, with +some doubts and misgivings, as they were packing +the belongings of the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"I have arranged that," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"What is that?" asked Alfred, who appeared at +the door of the hangar.</p> + +<p>"We are going," shouted Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Yes; you might as well get your things packed +and put them in the machine," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>The boys laughed, for outside of a few trinkets, +and underclothing, they had nothing of importance +to take along. They remarked that it was singular +how few things seemed to be really needed, +traveling, as they did, from place to place at a +moment's notice.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p> + +<p>"When do you intend to start?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Whenever we are ready," was the reply. +"We intend to leave in squadron formation and +manoeuver for an hour, and afterwards each is +to make for the station on his own hook."</p> + +<p>Shortly thereafter the first signal was given. +The machine was pushed out and lined up. At the +second signal the machines were mounted. At the +third tap the motors began to hum, and soon there +was a movement in the whole line. It was a splendid +spectacle, as the machines left the ground, and +rose majestically toward the west, the direction +from which the wind was blowing.</p> + +<p>The manoeuvers were particularly interesting +to the boys, and the lieutenant led his section in +the formation during the entire practice until the +captain's flag on the great Duperdessun indicated +that the machines were free. After making a +great sweep to the west the lieutenant turned to +the left, encircling the town, and pointed due +east.</p> + +<p>Before they had proceeded fifteen kilometers, +something happened to the engine, for it ceased to +hum. They were then at an altitude of a mile, and +inability to start the motor made it necessary for +them to volplane to the earth. Sighting a considerable +town to the left, which was located south of +a canal, the machine was directed toward a +smooth, open field, not far from the environs, and +after landing they learned that the place was Ligny-en-Barrois.</p> + +<p>It was found that through some accident the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> +petrol tank had started a leak, and that the liquid +was slowly oozing out during the flight, without +giving the first indication until the engines failed. +It was just the kind of an accident which necessitated +the removal of the reservoir in order to make +the proper repair.</p> + +<p>"Which is the fastest machine?" asked Alfred, +while they were waiting for the return of the reservoir.</p> + +<p>"The Morane, by all means," replied the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"I thought the Caudrons were the best?" remarked +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"It depends on what you mean by <i>best</i>," answered +the lieutenant. "The different machines +are used for various purposes, and while speed is +important, there are other things just as necessary."</p> + +<p>"What other things?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Well, bomb-dropping for one thing; then, +some machines are better adapted than others for +directing artillery fire, or for using machine +guns," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"The captain has a Caudron," said Alfred, +"and he doesn't use a gun on it either."</p> + +<p>"No; the Caudron is admirably adapted for observations, +and is used almost wholly in France +for directing artillery fire," answered the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"It seems to me that this machine is good for +observing," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Yes; and it is used for that purpose, but it is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> +now being put to use for photographing purposes,—that +is, most of the Maurice Farman types are +so used," answered the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Why is that?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"For two reasons; first, because you will see +we can get a good view downward; and, second, because +it is the most stable machine in flight, the +latter making it especially well adapted to take +good views," replied the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Which are the largest ships?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"The Voisin and the Breguet, by all means. +They are able to carry heavy loads, and are used +as bomb-dropping machines, as their fuselages are +especially well adapted to carry and release the +missiles," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"But I saw a Voisin at one of the hangars +which had a big gun on it," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Ah, that was the Voisin Cannon, which carries +a 37-millimetre gun," said the lieutenant. "That +is used for bombarding captive balloons and Zeppelins, +if the latter should ever make their appearance."</p> + +<p>"A 37-millimetre gun?" repeated Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Yes; that's about one and a half inch in your +measure," answered the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>Within an hour the reservoir was again in position, +and there was no delay in again mounting +into the air. "We might take a little trip due +east, as far as Toul, and north of that point we +may have the privilege of seeing some of the enemy," +remarked the lieutenant, as they mounted +the machine.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p> + +<p>A beautiful silver thread now appeared on the +landscape to the east, as they reached their greatest +altitude. Looking back there was a smaller +thread to the west, and, apparently, the same distance +from their viewpoint. They thus had the +opportunity of seeing, at one glance, two of the +most noted rivers which figure in the great war,—the +Meuse to the east, and the Marne in the west, +these streams at this point being within thirty +miles of each other.</p> + +<p>It was, probably, imprudent for them to take an +out-of-the-way course to reach their destination, +but the temptation was very great. The sun was +still shining brightly when they started from Ligny-en-Barrois, +but it was now growing dark from +the overspreading clouds, and as soon as Toul was +sighted the lieutenant turned the machine northward.</p> + +<p>To the west it could now be seen that the threatening +clouds were coming up, and they appeared +to be sweeping toward the east with great speed, +at right angles to the aviators' course.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what the lieutenant will do?" queried +Ralph half to himself, as he looked at the clouds, +and then glanced back to the officer.</p> + +<p>The lieutenant shook his head, and pointed the +machine further to the left.</p> + +<p>"Why, I believe he is going right into it!" remarked +Alfred in amazement to Ralph.</p> + +<p>But the officer now made a wide swinging turn. +A view of the heavens indicated that the storm was +an extensive one, and that the speed of the wind<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> +had increased most alarmingly, for, in looking +down they seemed to stand still over the little hamlet +beneath them. The wind, into which they were +flying, was traveling at the same speed as the machine.</p> + +<p>There was but one course to follow. They must +return to the earth, otherwise they would be +driven far over into the German lines. By setting +the control lever so as to depress the nose of the +machine they rapidly descended, the lever being +intermittently drawn back to a normal position, +so as to keep the ship on an even keel and prevent +it from performing a loop in the air.</p> + +<p>The landing was easily made, notwithstanding +the wind, and they found they were near Commercy, +west of the Meuse, about thirty-five miles +south of Verdun. A terrific rainstorm then followed, +which lasted more than an hour.</p> + +<p>"Were you ever in a rainstorm while flying?"</p> + +<p>"Never but once," replied the lieutenant, "and +that was in thunder and lightning, too, which was +the most terrific thing I ever went through."</p> + +<p>"Tell us about it!" said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"I almost shudder at it when I stop to think of +the hour when I faced the lightning right where it +is made," said the lieutenant. "It was in the second +week of the war, just east of Rheims, when +the Germans were sweeping across the frontier +and had passed Charleville. I had a double-seated +Nieuporte, with an assistant handling the machine, +while I was making observations.</p> + +<p>"Shortly after getting the first glimpse of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> +moving German columns I noticed that it was +growing dark, but when you are aloft that is not +noticed as quickly as when on terra firma. The +great hosts of Germans interested me intensely, +and we kept on until I estimated that we were +fully ten miles behind the advance columns, when +my assistant shouted through the tube: 'Look +back; what are your orders?'</p> + +<p>"I saw that to continue would be disastrous, so +I gave the order to turn. This gave us the first +opportunity to determine our speed, or, to state +it more accurately, the speed of the wind, for you +will recall that when we turned this afternoon, +we seemed to stand still above the town.</p> + +<p>"Within ten minutes of the time I turned the +machine to the west the first heavy rolling clouds +seemed to meet us. The earth was quickly blotted +from sight, and heavy rumblings were heard, but +no indications of lightning. I knew that heavy +black clouds were dangerous, and they were so +black that it was impossible to see my assistant, +three feet distant.</p> + +<p>"I could not decide what to do, so I finally +shouted through the tube: 'keep on a straight +course to the west,' for I knew that to land at +that point would bring us right into the great +German column. There was no rain falling at the +time, but the cloud was like the densest mist. The +machine was still moving,—that is, the engine was +merrily humming, and my assistant's voice +startled me as he shouted: 'There is something +wrong; compass out of order.'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p> + +<p>"During the flashes I could see him pointing +to the compass, and I leaned over, and caught a +glimpse of the dial. The pointer was swinging +around violently. The lightning now seemed to +be incessant, and the rumbling of the thunders +was weird beyond description. Sometimes, immediately +after a vivid flash, a thick spray would +deluge our faces."</p> + +<p>"What were you thinking about while all this +was happening?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"What impressed me most was the wonderful +difference between the appearance of those electrical +discharges when viewed in the usual way +from the surface of the earth. I did not notice any +forked lightning, nor did it show itself in streaks, +darting hither and thither. It seemed to be more +like balls of fire, suddenly appearing here and +there, and when each ball burst into flame, there +would be a crackling sound, at any rate, so it +seemed, for I dared not stop the engine.</p> + +<p>"But the most remarkable thing was the odor +which was present. It had a pungent smell, not at +all unpleasant, but decidedly exhilarating in its +effects. I suppose we were taking in ample doses +of laughing gas, for I assure you that after the +first experience, we had no particular sense of +danger. It was most fascinating, and I felt as +though I was being raised up on my seat. Occasionally +I would try to figure out how this would +end, but on the whole it was devoid of terror."</p> + +<p>"How long were you in the storm?" asked +Ralph.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, I was so fascinated that I had forgotten +to look at the watch. I held it before me, and soon +noticed that it was nearly five o'clock, so that we +were over an hour and a half in the thick of it. +During this experience what gave me the queerest +feeling was the compass, the needle of which could +not be seen, it swung around with such velocity. +Were we going with the storm, or not? That was +the thing uppermost in my mind. If we were being +carried along we might be even in Belgium by +the time I noted the watch.</p> + +<p>"Then I tried an experiment. I ordered my assistant +to make a turning movement. This convinced +me that we were really going with the +storm, and were now far over into German territory. +Strange as it may seem, we were not thrown +hither and thither; the ship sailed along smoothly. +I feared to make the next experiment,—that is, to +direct the machine toward the earth, for, while +everything worked perfectly, I had a feeling that +it would be safer to reach the earth with an engine +running than with a dead one. Slowly the +machine went down; it seemed to get lighter, but +now the thunder came in sharp claps, and the form +of the lightning changed. I could distinctly see +what the observer sees when on the earth, long, +zig-zag streaks multiplied a hundred times more +than anything I ever witnessed while on earth."</p> + +<p>"How high were you up when you got out of the +clouds?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Seven hundred and seventy meters (about +2,900 feet), as indicated on the barometer."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Could you see the earth?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"No, indeed; the rain was pouring down; it +was splashing over us and all about us, and I signalled +to go up again, and we soon entered the +clouds; but during all this time the needle of the +compass kept spinning, so that we knew nothing of +the direction we were traveling."</p> + +<p>"But couldn't you tell which way the wind was +blowing?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"No; we were moving with the great air current, +sometimes sailing with it, and at other times +against it, but with nothing below to indicate the +direction. We could not possibly say whether we +were going north or south."</p> + +<p>"I think if I should be in the air and couldn't +see the earth I would know a way to tell which +way the storm was moving," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"How?" asked the lieutenant, as he leaned forward.</p> + +<p>"Why, the rain would come down at an angle, if +the wind should be blowing, wouldn't it?" replied +Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Quite true, that would be the case on the earth; +but it would not be so up where the raindrops are +being formed; there the little particles of water +move along with the wind stream; but that is not +all; when you are in a machine in a great wind +movement, the ship must move through the wind +in one direction or the other at all times so as to +keep aloft, hence, whether you are going with or +against the wind, the rain drops appear to be +coming down at an angle, and this, in itself would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> +be sufficient to deceive you, or, at any rate prevent +you from determining the direction in which +you happened to be sailing."</p> + +<p>"How did you get down?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"That was the interesting part of it. After +a half hour more of flying I again ordered the +assistant to go down two hundred meters. It was +now evident that the storm was abating. Soon we +again passed out of the rain clouds, and the assistant +shouted that he had reached the level indicated. +'Go lower,' I shouted. As we did so it +grew lighter, and we began to feel a relief. +'Lower yet,' I ordered. At 600 meters the rain +poured steadily, but still nothing was visible."</p> + +<p>"You were up then about a half a mile," said +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Just about that," was the reply. "Soon we +noticed a peculiar white patch, and then another. +This was puzzle to me. 'Go still lower,' I +shouted, and down went the machine. Then we +saw some white houses, and I almost shouted for +joy. But where could we be? We were passing +over a city, a city located within the bend of a +large river. I racked my brain to find out where +and what it could be. If it was the river Meuse +it might be Verdun, or Sedan, or Charleville. We +were forced to go down still lower, and then I +could see forts, and I felt sure we were over Sedan.</p> + +<p>"We were even then going east. I was so agitated +that I could hardly speak, and motioned to +my assistant to turn around. He understood, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> +the ship was swung around; we were now going +right into the blinding rain, but we were fifty +miles behind the German advance columns, and in +order to enable us to make more rapid progress I +told the assistant to change the course nearly due +south. We were flying very low, certainly not +over a thousand feet.</p> + +<p>"Thus far we had not seen a soldier, or any +evidences of warfare. In a half hour we sighted +another stream. My heart leaped with joy, for I +was sure it must be the Aisne. To assure myself +of this we followed the stream for twenty kilometers, +and then the forests of Argonne came into +sight, thus assuring me of the position. I knew +that the army of the Crown Prince was in that region, +and it would not be safe to descend; I, therefore, +directed the machine to the west, crossed the +river, and was about to go still lower, when I heard +a boom,—several of them.</p> + +<p>"This startled me, you may be sure. 'Up, up!' +I shouted. The machine obeyed. We rose to an +altitude of eight hundred meters, then suddenly +the engine stopped. My assistant turned and +shouted: 'We have no petrol.' I crawled back and +tested the tank. It was empty. 'Volplane to the +south,' I said. It was the only thing I could do. +Now that the engine was silent the sounds from +the earth were startling. There was terrific firing +to the right and left, and all about us; but we +must go down; there was no help for that.</p> + +<p>"Soon the earth again came in sight, and then +the location of the batteries was made out by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> +volumes of smoke, which could be seen at each +volley. My assistant tried to hold up the machine +as long as possible, but we were now down to 300 +meters, then the barometer registered 250. We +both noticed a large, apparently smooth field, and +the final volplane began. We landed a hundred +feet from a first-line trench, and although the Germans +made it hot for us for about fifteen minutes +we were soon able to reach the laterals and thus +escape their fire. But the machine was in a bad +condition when we rescued it that night. It was +literally shot full of holes. What is left of it is +now in the end warehouse where the scraps are +kept."</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> + +<h2><br />CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h2>A CHAPTER OF LESSONS ABOUT THE AEROPLANE</h2> + +<p><br />Early the following morning there was intense +activity in the camp, and Ralph was among the +first to learn the cause of the excitement. Several +army divisions had come up in the night, and were +bound for the Verdun sector, and from the information +obtained it was the intention of the commander +to make a terrific assault in order to break +the German lines north of the city.</p> + +<p>The lieutenant, when approached, admitted that +they were now in for double duty. "Every man +in the corps must report and be ready in the morning. +There will be two days of observation, and +then look out for some business."</p> + +<p>"When will we go to Verdun?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"We are expecting orders at any moment," was +the reply.</p> + +<p>During the previous afternoon more than fifty +machines had assembled, and some of those were +now leaving, a few going directly east, on observation +tours, while others were circling about and +testing the engines.</p> + +<p>"I am expecting a big Farman machine," said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> +Lieutenant Guyon, as he returned from headquarters +an hour afterwards, "that is equipped +for carrying bombs, but I am told it is one of the +speediest machines in the service. It will easily +carry six hundred kilos in bombs (1,200 pounds), +and we are ordered to wait here until it arrives."</p> + +<p>When the boys were alone, Alfred, with a glint +of joy in his eyes, remarked: "I think that will +give us an opportunity to do some flying with the +lieutenant."</p> + +<p>"Do you think so?" replied Ralph, elated at the +thought.</p> + +<p>"I am sure of that," said a voice behind them.</p> + +<p>They quickly turned and saw the lieutenant, who +had entered unobserved. They saw by the smile +on his face that the remark was an agreeable one, +for he continued:</p> + +<p>"Yes, and the machine is now here; the men are +at work setting it up; so we might as well go over +and help out."</p> + +<p>A second invitation was not necessary. Ralph, +who was outside in one bound, rushed across the +field, but Alfred accompanied the lieutenant to +the commandant's office, where they were provided +with the receipt for the machine. The lieutenant +remained here while Alfred carried the document +to the warehouse. Within two hours the machine +was in condition to receive the fuel and the supplies +usually carried in the machines for emergencies.</p> + +<p>When the lieutenant returned he made a careful +inspection, and on this occasion the boys followed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> +every movement of his to learn what were +the essential requirements in inspecting. Naturally, +the most important thing was to know that +every part of the frame is not only properly set +up and the wires made taut, but that the fastenings, +the turnbuckles, are in good condition. That +necessitated a minute examination of every one +of them.</p> + +<p>Then the planes were sighted to ascertain +whether they were properly aligned. Sometimes +when the planes are not exactly parallel with each +other, the end of one, for instance, being set a little +higher or lower than the other, it is usually corrected +by letting out one or more sets of brace +wires and taking up on others. This observation +was followed by a careful look at the control +planes. These are the sensitive parts of the +plane, and may be likened to feelers, for the slightest +warping of the horizontal tail planes will frequently +cause the machine to fly with a skidding +motion, not dangerous, but exceedingly uncomfortable +when flying at a high rate of speed.</p> + +<p>"The wires leading to the control levers are always +a source of worry to me," remarked the lieutenant, +and he drew himself up into the rear part +of the chassis. "You will notice that this one rubs +along the side of that brace. I could not permit +that," he said, as he glanced toward one of the +workers.</p> + +<p>"Do you think it would weaken the brace?" +asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"No, it's not that," replied the lieutenant.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> +"The difficulty is that all these wires are stranded, +and as soon as one of the wires wears out by the +frictional contact, another will give way, and the +control wire is liable to part at the most critical +time."</p> + +<p>The boys had occasion to remember the lieutenant's +warning shortly thereafter. After an examination +of the airplane structure an investigation +was made of the engine. The mechanic turned +it over to be sure that the compression was all +right. Self-starters are provided on all these machines, +as the French learned at an early day that +it would be unwise to depend on cranking.</p> + +<p>Then a thorough inspection of the pipes and +tubing for the fuel and lubrication was made. +The dashboard of an aeroplane is a much more +wonderful contrivance than the dashboard of an +automobile. The aviator must look out for several +things not necessary when traveling on land.</p> + +<p>The machine which they were examining had on +it the most improved contrivances, which had been +found desirable, some of which were entirely new +to the boys, one of them being the inclinometer.</p> + +<p>"That must be a dandy thing," said Alfred, +pointing to it.</p> + +<p>"I think there are only a few of the military +machines which are supplied with them, but the +order has been given to put them on all the new +machines," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"What are the two rods for?" asked Ralph, as +he looked at the inclinometer.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/illus107.jpg" width="500" height="288" alt="Fig. 6. INSTRUMENT BOARD OF STANDARD AIRPLANE." title="" /> + +<span class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fig</span>. 6. INSTRUMENT BOARD OF STANDARD AIRPLANE.<br /> + +1. Control Lever, with thumb switch. 2. Watch. 3. Altimeter, for registering height. +4. Compass. 5. Pressure Gages for two gasoline tanks 6. Dial to register engine revolutions. +7. Switches for two magnetos. 8. Air Speed indicator. 9. Clinometer. 10. Oil +Pulsator. 11. Gasoline supply system. 12. Engine crank and fly-wheel.</span> +</div> + +<p>"The two rods which swing past the vertical<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> +bar, on which you see the numbers, indicate the +angle at which the machine is going. All that is +necessary is to observe the crossing point of the +rod over the marked bar, and it will instantly tell +what the angle of ascent or descent is. You see an +aviator now has so many things to think of that +he must have devices of various kinds which will +constantly tell him anything or any condition without +asking for it."</p> + +<p>"Why, this also tells how fast the engine +turns," remarked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Of what use is that?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Well; if you knew that the engine was capable, +under full throttle, to make eighteen hundred +revolutions a minute, and the dial showed +that the shaft was turning only one thousand, you +would quickly get the idea that something was +wrong," answered the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; and then you would start to make an +investigation at once without waiting for the engine +to stop," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Exactly; it is there as a warning, just as a +headache is a warning that something is wrong, or +a pain, which is nature's way to indicate that an +investigation should be made without delay," answered +the lieutenant with a nod.</p> + +<p>Besides the foregoing, the dash had on it a +watch. Now, a watch may be a convenient thing +to have on an automobile, but it is not a necessity. +On a scouting and observation plane it is +one of the necessary implements. Alfred laughed, +as he looked at the neat little clock face.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I suppose," he said, "we could get along without +that."</p> + +<p>"Of course we could," answered the lieutenant. +"But why get along without it when we now find +it such a necessary element?"</p> + +<p>"Necessary how?" asked Ralph, in surprise.</p> + +<p>"In determining distances, for one thing," answered +the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"A watch to tell the distance?" asked Alfred +incredulously.</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed," responded the lieutenant. "If +you saw a puff of smoke in the distance, and +shortly thereafter heard a boom, the distance +could be determined almost instantaneously by +roughly calculating 1,200 feet for every second. +You see, the clock there has a second hand, which +is very plain, for that very purpose."</p> + +<p>"But suppose there is a regular battle on, it +would be hard to tell about the boom from any +particular gun, wouldn't it?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Quite true; in such a case it would be useless +for that purpose. Another use is in signaling," +continued the lieutenant. "For instance, in sending +information to a battery, arrangement is sometimes +made to flash the distance by means of second +intervals."</p> + +<p>"How is that done?" asked Alfred, now growing +intensely interested in the details of the dashboard +mechanism.</p> + +<p>"It is an easy matter to signal numbers," answered +the lieutenant and a favorite plan is to fly +over the area where the enemy's battery is located,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> +then flash at that altitude. The gunner will take +the angle, set his piece and fire, the aviator, meanwhile, +noting the course and effect of the shot. +By means of the watch he can determine the distance, +counting either by the time of flight of the +missile, or by the elapsed time between the flash +of the gun and the landing of the shot.</p> + +<p>The altimeter is another very important part +of the equipment. It is a device which tells at +a glance how high the machine is flying, and Ralph +looked at it with a somewhat doubtful expression. +The lieutenant saw the questioning lines on his +face, and instantly divined the reason.</p> + +<p>"You are in doubt whether the altimeter can +be relied on? Am I correct?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Well, I suppose it is all right, but almost every +time we have been up and took the readings, we +found we were actually hundreds of feet less than +the altimeter actually showed, so I am wondering +if it is possible really to tell the exact height by +that apparatus," remarked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I understand what you mean," replied +the lieutenant. "The other day, when we made the +long flight from Bar-le-Duc, the device we had +showed 900 meters, for it was an automatically +registering barometer, as all of them practically +are. When we returned I noted on the report book +872 meters. Did you notice that?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I wondered at it at the time," said +Alfred.</p> + +<p>"I knew that the general altitude of the country +at that place, as indicated by the topographical<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> +charts, was 28 meters above sea level so I merely +subtracted 28 from 900, and that showed how far +up above the land we really were," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Of course, it's a satisfaction to know how high +one is flying," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"It is not only a satisfaction, but it is an absolute +necessity for an aviator to know how high +he is flying, if his mission is to convey any information +to the batteries in the rear," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"And how is that done?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"By a system of triangulation," he replied. +"In a few days we may have an opportunity to +use the system, and I will explain it then so you +can quickly grasp the subject."</p> + +<p>The air speed indicator was another interesting +device, but at that the lieutenant shook his +head as though doubting its general value.</p> + +<p>"Don't you think it's accurate?" inquired Alfred +of the officer.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; it is as accurate as it can be made. +In fact all devices, which are used to indicate the +speed of the wind, are nearly perfect. That is not +the difficulty. When it is used on a flying machine +several new things enter into the problem, which +makes it difficult for the instrument to be truthful."</p> + +<p>"What is the main trouble?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Well, suppose we are starting a flight against +a wind, which is moving at the rate of, say, ten +miles an hour," answered the lieutenant. "While<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> +in flight we note that, going against the wind, the +air speed is sixty miles. Now, if we happened to +stop suddenly so we were poised in the air, the +indicator would show the air speed to be ten miles, +so that we were really going only fifty miles. If, +now, the machine is turned so that we are going +at right angles to the movement of the wind, although +we may be going actually through the air +at a speed of seventy miles an hour, the indicator +does not register the air speed at all, because it is +in such a position that the air does not affect it +and the only indication we have is the speed of +the air relative to the movement of the machine,—or, +to put it in a better way, I might say that the +instrument only registers, in reality, the speed at +which the aeroplane goes through the air, and no +more."</p> + +<p>"But is that the only way to tell how fast we are +going?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"The best test is to take the engine revolutions. +A certain machine after it has been properly +tested in a calm, and also in wind currents of different +velocities, will show a record of speed with +the engine running at certain revolutions. An experienced +aviator can judge pretty well, by experience, +what the speed of the wind is, and, knowing +the propeller speed, and the direction he is +going relative to the wind, he can make a fair estimate +of the speed of the machine."</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> + +<h2><br />CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h2>A THRILLING EXPERIENCE IN THE AIR</h2> + +<p><br />It was with feelings of joy that the boys stepped +out of their tent the following morning to learn +that the lieutenant had decided on a trial spin in +the forenoon, preparatory to the real start, which +was to take place at two in the afternoon. The +engine was turned over, and the machine held +down while the usual hour's running test was going +on. Everything seemed to be in order, the engine +was stopped and another inspection made +when the lieutenant gave the order to mount the +machine.</p> + +<p>In this type of military machine the swivel gun +is at the extreme forward end, and the pilot directly +behind the gunner, and at a slight elevation +above the gun. Both gunner and pilot are housed +in, and in most cases strapped to the body of the +machine to prevent any accidental falling out, as +there have been numerous accidents due to men +being thrown from their perches.</p> + +<p>The boys found ample room in the forward pit, +and at a word the machine was released and glided +forward. The new machine gave them a sensation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> +different from the former one, as it appeared +to ride more easily and steadily. In fact, +there is just the same difference in the motion of +flying machines as there is in autos, some, the +small machines, seeming to glide over the ground +and impart every bump to the occupants, as might +be expected of a light machine.</p> + +<p>A heavy flying machine, however, seems to +move along with the utmost ease, and does not +sway from side to side when sailing through cross +currents. Naturally, such a machine is a more +stable base for machine guns as well as for observation.</p> + +<p>Alfred's particular hobby was kodaking. On +this occasion, the first time he had an opportunity, +he prepared himself with a camera. The lieutenant, +learning of Alfred's penchant in this direction, +had a regulation government instrument sent +over, and attached to the machine, to Alfred's surprise.</p> + +<p>Before starting out, the lieutenant said: "I +want to give you some points now, in using the +camera. Photographs, in order to have any military +value, must be identified,—that is, they must +be made at such altitudes, and with reference to +certain marked characteristics on the earth, that +we may be able to place them on the topographical +maps of the particular section, and thus verify +them day after day."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by verifying them day after +day?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"I mean by that to see what changes have taken<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> +place in the same view between the taking of the +two pictures," replied the officer.</p> + +<p>"Well, what possible changes could take place +in a day or two?" asked Ralph in astonishment.</p> + +<p>"A great many, and very important ones, too," +answered the lieutenant. "The camera sees what +the eye does not notice. If a picture is taken of +a certain section today, and the following day another +picture is snapped, a comparison of the two +will show whether or not there has been a movement +of troops, or, whether or not a certain undistinguishable +object was something movable, or +not."</p> + +<p>"Is that the way the map of the enemy's country +is made up?" asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and every detail is noted, so that when +you commence the work be careful to notice something +which will distinguish the exact place where +you are located; also put down the direction of +the flight over that same area, and the altitude at +which we are flying."</p> + +<p>As the machine glided over the treetops and the +village on the northern border of the Meuse, the +sun shone out with intense brilliancy. They were +going directly east, and both boys turned toward +the lieutenant, their eyes seeming to say: "So +you are going to take a peep at the front, by way +of experiment?" which was exactly what the lieutenant +purposed doing.</p> + +<p>The altimeter now registered 1800 meters, considerably +over a mile high. From that point they +could see to Verdun, and thirty miles east of Verdun,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> +could be noted the blurred outlines and surroundings +of Metz, that greatest of all fortified +German defences. On they went for nearly three-quarters +of an hour until a stream of some magnitude +appeared to the east, which they soon crossed.</p> + +<p>They afterwards learned that this was the +Mosel, which flows through Metz. The latter city +now loomed up so it could be plainly seen, and to +their right was another town, Nancy, a fortified +French place. They were about midway between +the two places.</p> + +<p>Suddenly an aeroplane appeared to the right, +and the lieutenant turned the machine in that direction. +The boys were relieved to see the great +circle on the control planes of the machine in the +distance, which showed them it was a French +reconnoitering airplane. In the east several other +machines were noticed hovering about, and the +lieutenant at first headed directly for them, but +he soon turned to the north.</p> + +<p>Below were seen numerous flashes of guns, and +they knew from this that the fighting lines must +be along the river. The most startling thing which +occurred was a tremendous explosion that seemed +to be right in the machine itself, and they looked +around startled at the suddenness of it, for everything +seemed peaceful enough to them at that altitude.</p> + +<p>The lieutenant turned the machine, however, as +he apprehended more trouble, now that the gunners +below had so luckily secured a fair range. +The first shot was followed in another moment by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> +another, and the lieutenant now began to dart the +machine back and forth, and turn it in short, sharp +circles.</p> + +<p>Another explosion took place, this time remarkably +close, and pieces of the flying machine came +down, and brushed past the boys. The lieutenant +shook his head, as the boys glanced back. The +machine was now circling around, a peculiar +manoeuver, the boys thought, as they looked at +each other for a possible explanation.</p> + +<p>Ralph looked back, and noticed that the lieutenant, +with an alarmed look on his face, was constantly +glancing back to the tail planes. The steering +lever seemed to be jammed. Ralph had an +idea that something was wrong, and crawled over +the body until he was alongside of the lieutenant. +The latter pointed to the control lever, and Ralph +understood.</p> + +<p>Without waiting for instructions from the lieutenant, +he cautiously made his way along the chassis, +following up the wires which were indicated by +the lieutenant. Within four feet of the tail plane +Ralph halted. Then, reaching down, he succeeded +in grasping a dangling wire, and held up the end +for the lieutenant's inspection. After several attempts +he found the other end of the wire, which +had been severed by a shot from a shrapnel shell.</p> + +<p>The ship was still circling around, so without +waiting to repair the break Ralph turned the rudder, +and, glancing at the lieutenant, saw the latter +smile, and then by motions direct him to give the +control plane a still further push in the right direction.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> +It was impossible for Ralph to hear anything +the lieutenant said, but as soon as the airplane +was fairly headed for the west, the power +was shut off, and the machine began to descend.</p> + +<p>"Good boy!" shouted the lieutenant. "Can +you fasten them together?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid not," replied Ralph. "A piece +seems to have been shot away. But I can take +care of it if you will only direct me to pull it to +the right or to the left."</p> + +<p>"All right, then. Do you see that great patch +of green, directly beyond the castle?" asked the +lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"I can see it plainly," replied Ralph. "Shall +I steer for it?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no. We must come up from the south. +Note the direction of the wind from the smoke. +Make a long sweep. We are now at an altitude of +1200 meters. We can volplane twelve kilometers +from this height," remarked the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>The turn was made to the south in a long sweep, +Ralph continually glancing forward to note the +direction indicated by the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Now straight ahead, and hold steady."</p> + +<p>They were now rapidly approaching the earth; +the machine gliding over the tops of the trees at +the border of the forest that ran along the river +bank. To their right, across the river, was a large +town, Pont-a-Mousson, and the castle ahead of +them was a large school, from which even then +hundreds of children were emerging, and excitedly +rushing toward the approaching machine.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p> + +<p>Down went the machine at a sharper angle; +then, when close to the earth, the rear control was +sharply turned, and the nose of the ship raised +up, but for an instant only, when the machine settled +down, and, after running along a hundred +feet, stopped.</p> + +<p>The agitated children pressed about, and the +lieutenant tried in vain to keep them off. Some +more venturesome than others, after seeing Ralph +and Alfred, began to question them. To the relief +of the boys they learned that the French out-posts +were less than a mile distant.</p> + +<p>"Let us make the repairs as rapidly as possible," +said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>An examination showed that not only was the +control wire cut in two places, but the vertical +plane had its pivot shot away, thus accounting for +the peculiar action of the lever, which seemed to +jam whenever an attempt was made to turn it to +the right. Ralph did not know this, while seated +astride the body and manipulating the plane, and +it was obvious that even though he had succeeded +in splicing the wire, it would have been impossible, +with the rudder in that condition, to turn by means +of the wire controls.</p> + +<p>Assisted by the machinist from the garage belonging +to the owner of the school, they completed +the repairs in an hour, and, hungry though they +were, they again went aloft and sailed for their +camp, which was reached after an absence of three +hours.</p> + +<p>They thus had less than a hour to get a hurried<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> +meal and prepare to line up with the squadron, to +carry out the orders for the movement to the +north. They were now going to that section of +the fighting line in France where the most intense +struggles up to that time had taken place, and +where, ever since the opening of the conflict the +most stupendous operations were being carried +out to gain the mastery.</p> + +<p>Imagine, if you can, the sight that met their +gaze, as they took their place on the extreme right +of the three squadrons, which were about to launch +on this memorable occasion. They were about +twenty miles south of the city of Verdun. The extreme +northern aviation base was not more than +eight miles southwest of the city, located on a level +plain east of the forest of Argonne, and close to +the Aire river, a tributary of the Aisne.</p> + +<p>The trip was a short one, as the actual flying +distance was less than fifteen miles. Long before +they reached the scene of the great camp, they +could see the thousands of vehicles, and the hundreds +of thousands of soldiers, on the highways, +in the fields, and around the villages along the two +main railways which threaded their way along the +wide valleys between the Meuse and the Aire.</p> + +<p>During every mile of the trip they were under +the constant vigilance of the officers, who moved +them into echelon, formed them into squares, or +caused them to trail in columns of two or three, the +object being to accustom the pilots to obey and +execute signals while in flight.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> + +<h2><br />CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<h2>A FIGHT AND A LANDING IN BELGIUM</h2> + +<p><br />The day following their arrival at the field base, +as it was called, they found a wonderful change in +the order and arrangement of the place. Everything +was done in the most systematic way. So +many machines, from each squadron, were told off +each morning for certain duties. Those duties +were as follows: First, scouting. This meant ascertaining +where the enemy was most active; +where the batteries were located; noting the movement +of troops, and their general character.</p> + +<p>Scouts generally operate in pairs, for if it is +impossible to signal back from the ships, one continues +the work while the other makes a signaling +report from such point or points in the rear as will +make the information useful.</p> + +<p>The next duty is to protect the scouts from interference. +This work is carried on by the large +ships, which are usually provided with rapid fire +guns. They need not, necessarily, be speedy, for +they are to keep in touch with the speedy scout +ships, the latter of which sail around over a small +area so the observations can be carried on as +leisurely as possible.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p> + +<p>Third come the bomb-throwers, usually heavy-powered +machines, generally not armed, as all the +carrying power is devoted to the transportation of +bombs. These are also guarded by the heavily +armed machines. Sometimes, as in the case of the +Farman machine, which the lieutenant used, they +were used for scouting, and were also serviceable +for fighting purposes.</p> + +<p>In the early period of the war there were not +many pilots capable of doing the duty required in +all branches of the service. It was frequently the +case that the aviator would command a ship with +a gun on it and do double duty, acting as scout, or +he would chase and fight an enemy, manipulating +the gun while manoeuvering the machine. It was +the sort of duty in which Lieutenant Guyon was +engaged at the time he was promoted to the command, +and supplied with the new type of machine.</p> + +<p>Naturally, as commander of the squadron, he +was at liberty to take any one he desired in his +flights, and as he had a real affection for the boys, +he took delight in having them accompany him on +many of his exploits. It was the custom for the +lieutenant to entrust the piloting of the machine +to one of the boys, while he acted as a scout. Frequently +Ralph would perform this duty, while Alfred, +with his camera engaged, under the direction +of the lieutenant, taking such photos as were +deemed necessary to supplement the Department +maps.</p> + +<p>Thus over a month was spent in scouting duty,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> +and, as the weather became somewhat chilly, especially +in the evenings, they never went aloft without +being well muffled up. One morning the lieutenant +called out to the boys that they were likely +to have a busy day before them, as the weather +was unusually mild for the season.</p> + +<p>When they arrived at the hangar the machine +was already out of the shed, and the lieutenant was +busy with the charts in consultation with the officer +of the day. Evidently something unusual +was afoot, for they waited more than an hour +before the lieutenant re-appeared.</p> + +<p>"You might wrap up well," he said. "I have +ordered a good luncheon, as we shall have a good +long scouting area to cover."</p> + +<p>"Which way are we going?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Directly across the city, and then to the east. +There is some unusually active business going on +between this and Metz."</p> + +<p>"Think I had better load up the camera pretty +well, even though it is a little misty," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"By all means," responded the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>It was eleven o'clock before all was ready, when +the lieutenant, addressing Ralph, said: "After we +pass over Verdun, going east, we cross what is +called the La Pietrie forests. The principal towns +we shall visit are Conflans and Briey, both within +the German lines. Through those towns are the +principal railway lines which supply the enemy +forces to the west with provisions and ammunition. +We have eight bombs aboard to be used at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> +convenient points. After lightening up the machine +by disposing of them we may make a visit to +Longwy, a town twenty-two miles north of Verdun. +We ought to have good maps of the railroad +sections over there."</p> + +<p>As they arose the weather was somewhat hazy, +so it was difficult to make observations at high altitudes. +They, therefore, ascended at available +points, and took a number of snapshots. To the +left the Meuse river, and the edge of the forest +beyond were distinctly visible, although they were +then registering an altitude of more than 5,000 +feet, and were five miles east of the river. To the +east was an impenetrable haze, so the lieutenant +directed the machine toward the river, and soon +the German encampment and lines were visible +through Barencourt.</p> + +<p>All were on the alert to notice signs of the enemy's +machines, for they were now in such a position +that the Germans would be most likely to +observe them, but there was not an indication that +they would be molested. They then turned the +machine to the northeast where a bridge was visible +in the distance, and the lieutenant shouted +through the tube:</p> + +<p>"Make for the first bridge; follow the track on +this side for a quarter of a mile, so as to give me +a chance to aim. Then take the second bridge to +the north further on, and in doing so pass the factory +beyond."</p> + +<p>"I understand," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>The track was reached, and directions followed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> +Long before they were over the bridge the lieutenant +pushed down the lever which released a +bomb, which could plainly be seen at first, but they +soon lost sight of the flying missile. A moment +later the second bomb was released. How long it +seemed for even the first bomb to reach the earth! +As they were directly over the bridge an explosion +was plainly visible. The first bomb had missed the +bridge, but before they had time to comment on it +the second one burst at the end of the bridge, and +one of the spans went down.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/illus125.jpg" width="500" height="320" alt="A Dangerous Position" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>The factory was now in view. "Go down +lower," shouted the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>Alfred nudged the lieutenant, and pointed to the +north. "That looks like an airship," he said.</p> + +<p>"So it is," replied the lieutenant, after a hasty +glance. "But we must attend to this little business +first," he continued, as his foot was extended +down to the bomb dropper.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You have hit it!" shouted Alfred in glee. +"Now for the other bridge."</p> + +<p>They were not as successful with the last structure, +although three bombs were expended on it.</p> + +<p>"Now, where is the flyer you saw?" asked the +lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"It went easy just before we reached the second +bridge," said Alfred. "I don't see it now."</p> + +<p>"Then I suppose we shall have to go to Longwy +to find where it is," said the lieutenant. "Can +you see the city beyond?" he continued, pointing +to the north. "Go to the left of the city," he said +through the tube.</p> + +<p>"Why did you tell him to go to the left?" asked +Alfred.</p> + +<p>"In that way we can avoid the long range aircraft +guns, which we know are mounted in the +forts to the east of the town," was the reply.</p> + +<p>They were soon on the northern side of the +town, and in looking south they were surprised +to see two machines, one making for the east and +the other seeming to fly directly toward them.</p> + +<p>"That fellow will be a little surprised when he +finds what he has to deal with," said the lieutenant +with a chuckle.</p> + +<p>"It's a Fokker, isn't it?" shouted Ralph +through the tube.</p> + +<p>"Quite right; when I give the signal turn +to the left, and describe a sharp circle. I'll fool +him," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>The signal came; the machine veered around +just as the Fokker came plainly into sight. As<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> +the turn was made the lieutenant turned the machine +gun to the other side, and when the sight +was cleared past the wings he gave the first turn +of the crank to the gun.</p> + +<p>There was a hum and a succession of cracks, +which seemed to surprise the man in the Fokker. +He evidently thought that the French machine was +trying to get away, or it never would have ventured +so close.</p> + +<p>"The other machine is coming!" cried Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Here is where we can get in the fun," said the +lieutenant. "Make a straight line for the one +coming up in the east. Go on until I signal."</p> + +<p>This was a most audacious move, and while +Ralph was guiding the machine toward the +stranger the lieutenant poured a constant stream +of shot into the first comer. It must not be +assumed, however, that the German machines +were idle during this period. Both were firing, +but the shots went wild, especially after the daring +move just made.</p> + +<p>"Up! up! as high as you can go!" was the next +order.</p> + +<p>The machine tilted, and the lieutenant looked +back at Ralph approvingly. "She is a dandy +climber," said the lieutenant musingly. "Now +I'd like to see them follow a bit."</p> + +<p>One of the machines actually tried to imitate +them, but the other ship was noticed wavering +and swaying from side to side.</p> + +<p>"Something is the matter with that fellow," +said Alfred.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes; he's done for, and we can easily polish +off the other one," remarked the lieutenant, as +he watched the falling machine. "Now turn +around quickly and dive for the one who is trailing +us," said the lieutenant through the tube.</p> + +<p>Ralph banked the machine, and brought it +around as quickly as possible. The machine was +not a quick-turning one, but the oncoming machine +was not prepared for the manoeuver, for +it seemed to hesitate which way to go. If it went +to the left it would be impossible to use its gun, +and if it turned to the right it would be at the +mercy of the Frenchman's gun. The only remedy +was to dive; down went the machine at a sharp +angle. The lieutenant's shots went wild, but +they were soon rid of their troublesome companion.</p> + +<p>"I suppose we'll have the whole German flying +corps after us now," said the lieutenant. "Turn +for home."</p> + +<p>No sooner had they turned than another machine +came up, this time a most determined +fellow.</p> + +<p>"Up! up!" again came the command, "and keep +pointing that way. You might also veer to the +left."</p> + +<p>This time it was one of the well-known Taubes, +with the disadvantage, however, that she was a +tractor,—that is, had the propeller in front, like +the Bleriot monoplane, so that it prevented the +driver from shooting head on, whereas the Farman +biplane was a pusher,—that is, had the gun<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> +mounted in front, and the propeller behind the +planes. During the evolution of circling, however, +the biplane had to present a broadside, which +gave the Taube a chance to pour in a stream of +shot, many of which took effect.</p> + +<p>"That was a close shot!" shouted Ralph +through the tube. The lieutenant looked back, +and pointed to the tube. A shot had gone through +it, causing Alfred and Ralph to look at each other +in undisguised dismay.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/illus129.jpg" width="500" height="336" alt="A Safety Manoeuver" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>At every turn the lieutenant ground out the +shot, and soon the barometer registered a height +of 6,400 feet. Two miles more and the Taube +made a peculiar turn, and glided to the right.</p> + +<p>"You have hit him," said Alfred in excitement, +and the lieutenant stopped churning.</p> + +<p>"It seems like it," was the reply. "When we +come back on the circle, go lower," he said to +Ralph, "and I can finish him."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p> + +<p>As they crept up closer and closer, the lieutenant, +with his hand on the crank, waited for the +final chance. Like a dying gladiator the Taube +turned, and a most terrific storm of shot came +from the quick firer. This was the only time that +the boys actually heard the thuds of the striking +missiles on the body of the machine. It proved +to be the last effort of the Taube; it dropped away, +but still held its upright position.</p> + +<p>Instantly the engine of the biplane stopped. +The lieutenant, with his hand still on the crank, +turned and shouted:</p> + +<p>"What is the matter?"</p> + +<p>There was dead silence, and sudden darkness, +for they could not see in either direction. They +had entered a dense cloud.</p> + +<p>"Have we started on the down glide?" continued +the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"I am trying to hold it up," said Ralph. As he +spoke they emerged from the cloud, but the Taube +was nowhere in sight.</p> + +<p>"Try the starter," said the lieutenant feverishly.</p> + +<p>"Can't do it," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Then hold it steady while I examine the tank," +said the lieutenant. He leaned over, and almost +immediately exclaimed: "The connection is shot +away."</p> + +<p>"I will make a long glide if you can fix it in the +meantime," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"No; I will connect the other tank," was the +reply.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p> + +<p>It required less than a minute to perform this +operation, but despite the repair the engine would +not turn.</p> + +<p>After another examination the lieutenant +looked up from the pit, and said: "It's all up now. +The other tank is also empty."</p> + +<p>The barometer now showed that they were only +a little over three thousand feet above the earth. +A landing must be made, that was evident; but +where? Alfred pointed to a forest, directly east.</p> + +<p>"That might be a good place to come down, because +there doesn't seem to be any houses there."</p> + +<p>"Just the place if we can find a spot +big enough," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>With his field glasses he scanned the forest.</p> + +<p>"Do you see that strip of dark green a little +to the left? That is a clear space, I am sure. +Steer for that after circling around. We are still +high enough to enable us to make a careful observation +of the spot."</p> + +<p>The machine descended in its regular glide, and +they passed over the indicated spot.</p> + +<p>"That is a dandy place if you can hit it right," +said Alfred.</p> + +<p>It was narrow, not more than a hundred feet +wide, but it extended diagonally up the hill, not +the most desirable place to land, by any means, +but it was the only thing to be done.</p> + +<p>"Where shall I land?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Try to strike the second clump of brush; do +you see what I mean?" asked the lieutenant, his +words tumbling over each other in his haste.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I can do it," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"May you have good luck," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>They approached the end of the open space between +the trees. Fortunately the wind was not +blowing, and the fuselage struck the first clump +of brush, but they passed over it without difficulty. +Ralph then threw up the elevator sharply, and the +front end tilted, while the body of the machine +sank down gently, and the landing was made without +a jar.</p> + +<p>"That was the most beautiful thing I ever saw. +You deserve great credit for that piece of work," +said the lieutenant, as he leaned back and patted +Ralph.</p> + +<p>They leaped from the machine, and for a moment +stood there helpless with the reaction which +set in, the boys, particularly, being influenced by +the great strain. The lieutenant was the first to +speak: "Well, here we are in a pretty fix; but it +might be worse," he said.</p> + +<p>"No; we haven't a drop of petrol left," said +Ralph ruefully. "Both tanks were perforated."</p> + +<p>They sat down to consider the situation. It was +now past five o'clock, and although it was generally +the custom to take luncheon with them on +these trips, the extra amount which had been +stored was barely sufficient for a half meal. The +sun was going down, and they had no idea of their +location except that, by calculating, the lieutenant +judged they might be fifteen miles northeast of +Longwy. Everything was still, except the evening +chirrup of the birds.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It is too late to do any investigating tonight; +but our first duty in the morning must be to arrange +for food," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>Fortunately, they had taken the precaution to +carry plenty of wraps, so they were not at all +uncomfortable. They gathered leaves, made up +comfortable berths, and, after a most exciting day, +slept soundly all night.</p> + +<p>As soon as the first grey of the morning sun +lightened up they arose, and began an investigation +of the surrounding vicinity. A reconnoitering +journey was proposed, as, during the night, +faint whistles of locomotives could be heard coming +from the east.</p> + +<p>"That is the direction we must go," said the +lieutenant, as they prepared themselves for the +trip.</p> + +<p>They entered a dense forest, setting their course +by the compass, and marched due east for an hour +without seeing the first sign of habitation, when +they were suddenly startled by a locomotive whistle, +which could not be more than a mile away. +They drew back and listened for a time, then cautiously +crept forward, looking for an opening. +A quarter of a mile to the left they discovered a +wagon trail leading to the north.</p> + +<p>This began to look as though some one might be +living in the vicinity. The trail was followed, as +cautiously and as closely as possible, and a mile +beyond a cabin was sighted. This was the time +for them to exercise care, but they felt sure the +people living there would sympathize with them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You see, we are in Belgium now, and they hate +the Germans," said the lieutenant. "I suppose +we are close to the border of Luxemburg, and the +people there feel the same as the Belgians."</p> + +<p>"Do you know a place in Belgium called Bovigny?" +asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Yes," responded the lieutenant. "That is on +the other side of Luxemburg, close to the frontier. +Why do you ask?"</p> + +<p>"That is where we entered Belgium, and near +where we assisted in capturing the auto load of +Germans," said Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Bovigny is less than forty miles from +this place," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Isn't that strange," said Ralph. "Here we +are, close to the place where we started on this +excursion. Why, we made a regular circle to get +here," and they laughed at the situation.</p> + +<p>It was now past six o'clock in the morning. No +one was in sight, and they assumed it might be too +early for the people, so they waited for an hour; +still there was no sign that the cabin was occupied.</p> + +<p>"I suppose we might as well go closer and investigate." +They went forward without seeing a +sign of life, except a dozen or more chickens, +which were scattered over the lawn to the rear of +the cabin. "If there is any one there a whistle +might bring them out," continued the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>There was no response, and after waiting a +short time they circled about the house, and they +saw that the front door was open, but there was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> +no furniture within. They then boldly approached, +and began to examine the contents of +the rooms. Not a scrap of food was found, although +ants and other vermin were numerous, +and there was a mouldy smell in the second room, +there being only two compartments or rooms. +While they were searching about, two chickens appeared +at the door, and with a common instinct +the boys encouraged a closer acquaintance, to the +amusement of the lieutenant. One of the chickens +was finally trapped, and a meal was soon prepared +and cooked in the oven. They had barely time to +finish the repast, when a shot was heard in the +woods to the south, at which they hurriedly left +the cottage, and rushed to the nearest clump of +brush across the clearing. A second shot followed, +evidently quite near, but apparently from +the same direction as the first.</p> + +<p>"They are probably hunters," remarked the +lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Isn't our machine over in that direction?" +asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Undoubtedly," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what they would do if they found +it?" queried Alfred.</p> + +<p>"I think it would be perfectly safe if the hunters +are natives. I am sure they would suspect +the truth, for they would at once recognize it as a +French machine," replied the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Would it be safe to go in that direction?" +asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"That was in my mind," replied the lieutenant.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> +"As we must find some one in this region, and +they seem to me to be the most likely fellows to +approach, come on," he added.</p> + +<p>They hurriedly went forward, expecting every +minute to catch sight of the hunters. Their progress +was slow, as the ground was full of leaves, +and the wood thick; besides, there was considerable +underbrush. They thus wearily tramped on +and on for more than an hour, covering a distance +which should have brought them close to the location +of their machine. Despite all their efforts +it could not be found nor the place located.</p> + +<p>The only remedy was to retrace their steps and +go back to the cabin, and from that place they +could readily follow the wagon road back to the +place where they emerged from the woods. The +cottage was reached shortly after noon, and an +hour was spent in catching several of the chickens +and roasting them, so that it was in the middle +of the afternoon before they again retraced +their steps back to the starting point.</p> + +<p>Here another difficulty presented itself. They +could not find the place where they first reached +the trail, so they sat down to wait for the welcome +sound of a train to guide them. Even that aid +was denied them, and as darkness was now coming +on a suitable place was found to rest for the +night at the base of an uprooted tree. There the +night was spent in comparative comfort, as, fortunately, +the weather still continued mild and agreeable.</p> + +<p>The matter of food now became a vital one, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> +so, also, was the necessity of locating the airplane. +The matter was debated, and the lieutenant finally +said: "We must find our machine; from that point +I think we should strike to the west. It would be +unwise for us to approach the railroad to the +east, as that is in the hands of the Germans, and +every mile of it is patrolled."</p> + +<p>By means of the compass they trudged to the +west, and soon reached familiar ground. As they +were about to enter the open space, which was +recognized as their landing place, voices were +heard. The three glanced at each other in dismay, +until Alfred's keen ears detected a French word +or two, of which he quickly advised his companions.</p> + +<p>"I will call to them in French," said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>He did so, and the two men, for the lieutenant +could now distinctly see them, were startled, but +in another moment returned an answer.</p> + +<p>"We are French," said the lieutenant. "That +is our machine, and we have been reconnoitering."</p> + +<p>"We are friends," said one of the men.</p> + +<p>In another moment the lieutenant and the boys +were at the machine, and grasped the hands of the +hunters. "We are Belgians," continued the +man.</p> + +<p>"Where are we?" asked the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"In the forest, north of Messanoy," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Are there any Germans near?" asked the lieutenant.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, at St. Leger, to the north, and at the +junction of Arlon, to the northeast. But troops +are constantly going along both roads to Longwy +and Metz," replied one of the spokesmen.</p> + +<p>"Where can we get something to eat?" was +asked.</p> + +<p>"Ah, we can arrange that," said one of the men +with a smile. "Follow us."</p> + +<p>On the way the lieutenant learned a great deal +of the system in force by the Germans. They were +conducted north, through the woods for fully a +mile where they reached a wagon trail. Here the +lieutenant stopped.</p> + +<p>"Where does this trail lead?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"From the railway station on the east line to +a little village on the west side of the forest," was +the answer.</p> + +<p>"Then we were on this trail yesterday," said +Ralph.</p> + +<p>If they had gone a quarter of a mile farther, +after reaching the cottage, they could have seen +the first cottage in the village. It was also learned +that the two men were the hunters whose shots +were heard the previous day while at the cabin. +The men lived a quarter of a mile from the village, +in the elevated part, near the border of the forest, +and like true Belgians were glad to help their +French brothers.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p> + +<h2><br />CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<h2>EXCITING EXPLOITS ON LAND</h2> + +<p><br />"That is the place where I live," said the elder +of the two men, as he pointed to a low cottage on +the side of a hill, "and Raoul here lives below the +turn. We must approach the house cautiously, for +we know spies to be in this part of the country."</p> + +<p>"I will go ahead," said Raoul. "Follow and +go up to your house through the orchard."</p> + +<p>They tarried by the roadside until the signal +appeared. Upon reaching the house they were +greeted by Felix's wife, for that was the name +Raoul bestowed on his friend. A good meal was +soon spread before them, and in the meantime the +lieutenant was plied with questions, as the people +in that section had no opportunities for learning +what was really taking place in the outside world.</p> + +<p>Finally the lieutenant asked: "Do you know of +any place where we could get some petrol?"</p> + +<p>The men mused for a while, and shook their +heads. "You know," Felix said, "everything +around here is controlled by the Germans, and +petrol is one of the things that is kept strictly +under guard."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do you know the place where they store it?" +inquired the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but it would be dangerous to attempt to +get any of it," said Raoul.</p> + +<p>"I have a plan," said Felix, "but we cannot do +anything before night. I know every step of the +way to the station, and will take you there this +evening."</p> + +<p>"Good!" said the lieutenant. "In the meantime, +give me a diagram of the station, and the +roads leading to it. That will help me to become +familiar with the surroundings."</p> + +<p>For the next hour the lieutenant was busily +engaged in learning all about the country, and +where the stores and ammunition were kept.</p> + +<p>"I think we might as well have some of that +petrol," said the lieutenant with a smile, as he +looked at the boys, who nodded their approval, as +they were keen to participate in the plans which +the lieutenant had formed.</p> + +<p>That night, after ten o'clock, they appeared at +their place of concealment, for it was thought wise +to keep away from the house in the event any of +the prying neighbors should happen in. Together +they cautiously found their way to the railway +and walked along the track until the first switch +was reached. While waiting there so that Felix +could point out the different objects, Ralph drew +the lever, and set it so the first train would take +the switch.</p> + +<p>The lieutenant saw it and nodded approvingly. +Ahead a few hundred feet was a low building,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> +which was reached by the track which led from +the switch.</p> + +<p>"The guards are stationed at that shed across +the track, and sometimes they come over," said +Felix.</p> + +<p>"But is the building open?" asked the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"There are no doors; only open arches. The +tanks can be loaded and unloaded from the +tracks," was the answer.</p> + +<p>They were carrying three vessels, such as are +usually employed for transporting petrol in small +quantities, and nearing the shed the lieutenant +said: "Remain here and await my orders. I will +go ahead and investigate."</p> + +<p>With two of the receptacles in his hands he +crouched as low as possible, and made his way +along the track, but before reaching the structure +he left the track, and approached the shed from +the south side. He was gone for more than fifteen +minutes, and when he returned with the receptacles +filled he immediately seized the other, +returning with it also filled in a few minutes.</p> + +<p>"Now, take these to the cross road, and out of +sight. I will be there in fifteen minutes," and +saying this he quietly left them.</p> + +<p>The boys and Felix carried the cans to the +designated place with the greatest care, for the +fluid was precious to them. No sooner had they +hidden the receptacles when something like a flash +of lightning illuminated everything about them, +and this was followed by an explosion.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p> + +<p>Felix gasped as he gazed in the direction of the +sheds, for he divined the cause. The boys, too, +were startled.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if the lieutenant did that?" asked +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"I have no doubt of it," replied Felix.</p> + +<p>"Do you really think he did it? I wonder if +he is hurt?" said Alfred, his voice in a tremor.</p> + +<p>They waited for more than a half hour. What +if the lieutenant had been caught in the catastrophe? +They could see the soldiers at the station +rushing hither and thither, and the people were +going toward the station from all directions.</p> + +<p>"Mighty good thing we hid in this place," said +Felix.</p> + +<p>Felix and the boys were now in consternation, +and as they had about decided to go up to their +former place of concealment, the headlight of a +train approached from the south. It slowed down +a little as it neared the station.</p> + +<p>"The switch!" was Ralph's exclamation. As +he said that the train reached the switch, and +turned to the track leading to the fiercely burning +shed. Half of the train ran through a sea of fire +before it could be checked. It was a terrifying +sight, and Ralph shook with fear at the sight. +Fortunately, it was a freight train, or the toll of +death would have been awful.</p> + +<p>"This begins to look bad for us. I am afraid +the lieutenant has been captured. This place is +getting to be too dangerous, and we must leave at +once," said Felix, as he seized one of the cans.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I will go down and see what the trouble is," +said Alfred, but Felix shook his head. Nevertheless, +although Ralph also remonstrated, and insisted +on accompanying him, Alfred had his way. +One would be safer than two, he thought, and without +further words he crawled along the fence, +avoiding contact with those who were in the near +vicinity.</p> + +<p>A few minutes after Alfred left, the lieutenant +returned, and was shocked to learn of Alfred's +journey.</p> + +<p>"Take these cans up to the house, and I will go +back and try to find him," he told them.</p> + +<p>Alfred, meanwhile, had reached the track near +the switch, and not far from the rear end of the +burning train. As he was about to cross the track +his foot struck an object, and he fell across the +track. He was surprised to see several men appear +and gaze at him, and it must be admitted that +he was decidedly nervous over the situation. +However, he did not venture to say anything, but +quickly started at the fire, for he now stood with +others, in the full glare of the flames. As no one +paid any attention to him, it occurred to him that +he had as much right there as the villagers.</p> + +<p>All about him he heard criticisms of the calamity, +and some one suggested that the fire and explosion +was caused by a French airship, and, in +fact, this seemed to be the general opinion.</p> + +<p>Alfred wandered about listlessly, now feeling +assured that the people knew nothing of the lieutenant, +for he was certain that the news of the capture<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> +of a Frenchman would cause great excitement. +Waiting the first opportunity, he slipped +over the fence, and crawled along in the shadow of +some brush for several hundred feet, when, to his +consternation, a tall man arose in his path.</p> + +<p>He turned, and was about to leap the fence, +when he heard a familiar voice: "Alfred."</p> + +<p>He immediately recognized the lieutenant, and +it is questionable which of the two felt happier +at the meeting. They quickly ascended the hill, +where they met a gloomy pair in Ralph and Felix, +and the lieutenant told his story. He had allowed +the petrol to run from one of the tanks after he +took away the last receptacle, and when he returned +he tapped three of the other tanks, expecting +to wait five or ten minutes before firing it.</p> + +<p>While thus waiting two of the guards approached, +and he hid behind a box car on the opposite +siding. He feared that his plans had miscarried, +for he felt sure the guards would discover +the petrol. They did not, however, go into the +sheds, but remained outside, engaged in conversation +for more than ten minutes. When they left +he lost no time in again crossing the track.</p> + +<p>He reasoned that the whole of the interior of +the first set of sheds must have been flooded by +that time, and the problem now was to ignite it, +and get away safely, so he struck a match and +lighted a small saturated cloth, which was thrown +into the nearest opening. It caught instantly, and +as the entire shed was now filled with the vapor, +the explosion followed before he could get across<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> +the track. It was so great in violence that he was +hoisted from his feet, so it seemed to him, and +completely stunned. How long he remained in +that condition of half stupor he did not know, but +he soon heard a babel of voices, and saw everything +about him as bright as day. Then, to his +surprise, a train came up the switch, and rushed +through the fire. It was this which probably saved +him from being detected.</p> + +<p>"You may be sure," he said, "that as soon as +my senses returned I knew what had happened, +and that train started my sluggish brain into activity. +I ran away from the train, and so did several +others. No one cared to follow me, thinking, +of course, that I belonged to the crew. That explains +my long absence."</p> + +<p>"Now, how are we to get the petrol over to the +machine?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"We must ask Felix about it," said the lieutenant. +"Probably you can help us out in that direction?"</p> + +<p>"I have a light wagon," said Felix, "but we +must not venture out with it until after midnight; +in the meantime I will go down to the village and +get all the news."</p> + +<p>He returned in an hour. "It is reported that +an airship did the damage," said Felix.</p> + +<p>Shortly after two o'clock in the morning the +light wagon was on hand, and Raoul accompanied +them. After loading the wagon with the cans they +started on the trip through the forest. Felix and +Raoul both remained with the lieutenant and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> +boys until the tanks were repaired, and the sun +had appeared. The machine was then turned +around, and headed for the opening in the forest +through which they had entered. Felix and Raoul, +in the meantime, diligently cut away the underbrush +and bushes in the path of the machine so it +would be able to make a fair start.</p> + +<p>The boys now mounted the machine after shaking +hands with the two men, and the lieutenant, +reaching into his pocket, drew out a hundred franc +note, which he tendered to them. They refused +to take it. The lieutenant then threw it on the +ground, saying: "This belongs to Belgium, and +you had better take it."</p> + +<p>"Good bye, and God bless you," shouted Felix, +as the motor began to hum. The machine gliding +down the incline quickly gathered speed, and it +was soon in the air.</p> + +<p>After reaching an altitude of a thousand meters, +the lieutenant said: "It would be interesting to +pay the village a visit after our pleasant experience +there."</p> + +<p>Ralph, accordingly, turned the rudder, and the +machine swung to the right. It required only a +few minutes to reach the scene, and there, notwithstanding +the distance, they could see the blackened +and still smoking ruins in the two immense +spaces adjoining the station.</p> + +<p>Now, for the first time, they appreciated the fact +that a worthy task had been accomplished, for this +station was one of the most important oil supply +points along that whole line.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p> + +<p>The soldiers were rushing wildly about the station +grounds, and the officials there were no doubt +now assured, after seeing the machine, that the +depot had actually been destroyed by a bomb from +that airplane.</p> + +<p>The machine was now directed toward Longwy, +and after giving that city a wide berth, flew directly +south, with Verdun as the objective. The +grounds below and to the west of that city were +reached before ten o'clock, to the astonishment of +the men quartered there, for it had been reported +the night before that the lieutenant and the boys +had been captured or killed in the fight at Longwy.</p> + +<p>The lieutenant won the cross for the exploit, and +the boys received honorable mention from the government.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p> + +<h2><br />CHAPTER XIII</h2> + +<h2>A DARING BOMB RAID TO THE RHINE</h2> + +<p><br />The exploits of the lieutenant and the boys soon +became the talk of the camp. From enemy sources +more was learned later about the results of the +destruction of the oil station, which fully confirmed +the earlier reports of the great damage +which had been done. Although up to this time +there had been some objection raised against the +flights of the boys it must be said that after that +event there was no one to criticise them.</p> + +<p>During the winter months not much was done +excepting scout work, as the weather was too severe +for the men in the trenches to attempt any +advances, but as the spring months came on everything +became more active, thus imposing greater +duty on the air fleet.</p> + +<p>Not much of personal interest to the boys took +place until May, when the great raid was planned +to attack the munition factories and chemical +works at and near Ludwigshafen, on the Rhine.</p> + +<p>"Ralph, did you hear that there is going to be +a big expedition this week right into Germany?" +said Alfred, who had been with the lieutenant at +headquarters early one morning.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, although the boys are always talking about +something of that kind," replied Ralph.</p> + +<p>"But this is a sure go; the lieutenant told me +so a few minutes ago," responded Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Is the lieutenant going, do you know?" asked +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I suppose that is why he told me about +it," answered Alfred.</p> + +<p>"I wonder whether they will let us go with +him?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Well, I didn't ask him, but I looked at him +pretty hard, and I guess he knows how we feel +about it," answered Alfred.</p> + +<p>The rumor turned out to be true, for the following +day orders were formally received to prepare +eighteen machines for a raid to the Rhine. The +lieutenant announced the news to the boys, and +added: "I suppose, of course, you wouldn't like +to go on such a venturesome mission?"</p> + +<p>"Go!" exclaimed both boys in unison.</p> + +<p>The lieutenant laughed. "Well, if you insist on +it I shall have to take you with me. The Seraph +(which was the name of their airplane, although +it was officially known as No. 47) will be fixed to +carry a dozen bombs for the occasion."</p> + +<p>"But how about the quick firer?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"We must dispense with that on this trip. +Bombs are more valuable," answered the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Well, aren't we going to take any guard ships +along?" inquired Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Oh yes; six of the machines will be armed, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> +we must use every ounce we can carry on the +Seraph. Before starting we must go over the +route, as similar instructions will have to be issued +to all of the flyers," remarked the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Do you know where we are to go?" asked +Ralph.</p> + +<p>"The objective point is Mannheim on the Rhine. +The river is eighty miles due east, and Mannheim +is about fifty miles farther down the river. That +city is on the eastern bank of the river, and Ludwigshafen +is a small town, on the opposite shore +where the great laboratory of Badische Analin +and Soda Fabrik is located," remarked the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"So we are going to destroy a soda factory?" +said Ralph with a grin.</p> + +<p>"Not exactly," replied the lieutenant, amused +at the intimation. "The principal thing turned +out at the plant before the war was nitrate, a +chemical most essential in the manufacture of explosives, +and the importance of the place may be +understood when I tell you that fully two-thirds of +this product used by the Germans comes from that +place."</p> + +<p>"When will the start be made?" asked Ralph +excitedly.</p> + +<p>"Tomorrow," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Then I want to see the map," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"By all means," answered the lieutenant. +"Now, you will notice that here is a canal shown +on the map which runs due east. That is the +Rhine-Marne, which parallels this river, the Zorn.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> +The Zorn flows into the Rhine at Strassburg. You +know, of course, that rivers, or canals, are the +best guides for our purposes, so we must get these +firmly fixed in our minds."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that and the towns are sure to carry +us along without mistake," remarked Alfred. +"What is that place, Saarburg? It is on the +river."</p> + +<p>"That is an ancient town, and you can hardly +fail to recognize the place, for it is surrounded by +a great stone wall. It also contains a strong garrison. +Now note the next important place, twenty +miles farther on; that is Zabern. From that place +we can see the Rhine at various places, as we intend +to fly at an altitude of two thousand meters, +or, as you would say, 6500 feet."</p> + +<p>"Why is it necessary to go to such a high altitude?" +asked Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Because at Saarburg, Zabern and Brumath +they have long range anti-airship guns, and we +cannot take any chances," replied the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>The camp was a seething place of excitement the +following morning. Twelve of the machines carried +bombs exclusively; some of the airplanes had +six bombs, each weighing 180 pounds; one had +three bombs of 300 pounds each, and the Seraph +carried ten 120-lb. high-explosive cylinders.</p> + +<p>These were placed in a suitable case having +compartments, the lower ends of the compartments +being provided with outwardly opening +doors, capable of being released by the pressure +of the foot operating against a lever.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am going to rig up the cameras so we can +take pictures of the explosions," said Alfred, as +they made their way to the hangar.</p> + +<p>"That is a splendid idea," remarked the lieutenant. +"Such an enterprise would be commended +by the Intelligence Department of the +War Office. By all means make the arrangements, +for we expect to start in an hour."</p> + +<p>Alfred rushed over to the supply depot, and +soon had the cameras in his possession, together +with extra rolls of films. Ralph accompanied the +lieutenant to the hangar to note the placing of the +bombs.</p> + +<p>"Why are the bombs placed with the pointed +ends up?" asked Ralph, as the men were placing +them in position.</p> + +<p>"So the fulminate cap can be placed on, preparatory +to launching," remarked the foreman.</p> + +<p>"Why, won't they go off without the cap on? +Wouldn't a concussion explode them?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Well, it would require a pretty tough jar to +make them go off," replied the man.</p> + +<p>At the appointed time the eighteen machines +arose, and started for the east. The sun was full +in their faces, but the misty weather made it look +like a great red ball, symbolic of the day's work. +It was hard to get away from the glare of the sun +as they arose to the height which the orders compelled +them to take, and at Saarburg some of the +machines were actually hit by missiles from the +anti-airship guns.</p> + +<p>The first city of importance to greet their eyes,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> +after leaving Brumath, was Lauterbach, and then +Karlsruhe, a city of over 100,000 was sighted.</p> + +<p>"We are now thirty-five miles from Ludwigshafen," +shouted the lieutenant, through the tube. +"Keep well to the west of the river, and maintain +the same height, until the city is reached."</p> + +<p>Two miles before Mannheim was reached eight +of the machines swerved to the right, and crossed +the river, their destination being the town of Oppau, +several miles beyond the town, where large +manufacturing establishments were turning out +ammunition.</p> + +<p>"We are bound for the chemical factories," said +the lieutenant. "See the workmen running about. +They have, no doubt, heard of our mission by this +time."</p> + +<p>"Which way shall I point the camera?" asked +Alfred.</p> + +<p>"Straight down," replied the lieutenant. "I +am going to signal No. 62 to take the lead, so we +will be the fifth in line. That will give you a splendid +opportunity to notice the effect of the explosions +and to snap them."</p> + +<p>The lieutenant set the signal, "echelon formation," +which means step formation, one machine +being ahead and a little to the right or to the left +of the succeeding one. In that manner the ten +machines flew along, the distance between them +being about eight hundred feet, and by this arrangement +each succeeding machine was able to +observe the effect of the bomb dropped by the +machine ahead.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mannheim was avoided, and the machines +steered straight for the chemical headquarters on +the left side of the stream where No. 62 released +the first bomb. Alfred strained his eyes, and saw +a flash below. It missed a building, and he shouted +the information to Ralph through the tube.</p> + +<p>"If that had gone a hundred feet to the right it +would have taken a dandy building,—there, the +second shot did it; that came from old Spic's machine; +whew-w-w, but look at it! That smoke is +as black as coal,—must be lots of chemicals there. +Another,—and the second building smashed to +flinders. The lieutenant is going to drop the first +one,—down she goes! I took two fine ones just +now. I'll bet the last picture will show it up just +as it happened. Two more snaps. We are going +to turn and go back. 62 is making the circle." +Thus Alfred graphically described the first trip +over the doomed town.</p> + +<p>A dense cloud was now coming up, or, rather, +bunches of them in various places where the missiles +struck, and just as the Seraph was making +the turn a tremendous explosion was heard, which +actually seemed to jar the machine. Alfred arose +from his seat, and the lieutenant's tense face +showed that something unusual had happened, as +he gazed below. All the buildings were emptied +and scores of operatives were lining up along the +river bank, and moving toward the great bridge +south of the works.</p> + +<p>"Did you notice that big explosion?" asked Alfred +through the tube.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p> + +<p>Ralph nodded his head affirmatively.</p> + +<p>"That hit the largest building in the place, and +there isn't much left of it. Did you see that tall +chimney at the left side of the town? Well, that +looks just like a big cannon with the smoke and fire +coming out of it," commented Alfred.</p> + +<p>The ten ships crossed the town twice, discharging +all their bombs, but they waited in the air for +twenty-five minutes until the first of the detached +airplanes from the north appeared. During this +time there was plenty of opportunity to see the extent +of the damage which had been done to the +great factories.</p> + +<p>At a signal the airplanes, constituting the +squadron, were lined up in two columns, and before +they had proceeded far the signals told the +success of that part of the squadron which had +gone to Oppau. The signal was now set for +"Home," and the machines, by this time lightened +of their missiles, made a tremendous speed, until +after they left the Rhine, and were making the last +lap of the journey, when the machine carrying +Captain De Goye and his Adjutant Buanau-Varilla, +was forced to descend, owing to an accident.</p> + +<p>The different machines circled around, hoping +to be able to render assistance, but shortly after +the airplane landed it was discovered to be in +flames, and it was conjectured that seeing relief +was out of the question the aviators had destroyed +the machine to prevent its being of any use to the +enemy.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span></p> + +<h2><br />CHAPTER XIV</h2> + +<h2>A TERRIBLE FIGHT IN THE CLOUDS</h2> + +<p><br />The return to the base with only the single mishap +alluded to was cause for congratulations, and +the lieutenant came in for a large share of the +commendation.</p> + +<p>In turn he prepared a special report setting +forth the work done by the boys on the eventful +journey. He pointed out that Ralph piloted the +machine the entire distance, giving him, as the +commanding officer of one division, time to direct +the operation of the machines and attend to the +bombs, while he had the pleasure of presenting to +the authorities a set of unique photographs taken +by Alfred at the very time the bombs were thrown +and exploded.</p> + +<p>When the roll was called, two days thereafter, +the men of the squadrons were lined up, an officer +from headquarters passed down the line, and, +among other places, halted before the boys, who +stepped forward. On the breast of each was +pinned a medal, and as the officer did so he kissed +them on the cheeks, a custom which is faithfully +observed, in accordance with the regulations, +whenever a merit order is bestowed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p> + +<p>There was a cheer as the two blushing boys +stepped back to the line, and there were no +prouder hearts than theirs as they heard the encomiums +expressed on all sides for their bravery +and devotion to duty. It was a pleasure to many +other young Americans, who, like them, were volunteers +serving in the aviation corps, and many +of whom were afterwards also honored in like +manner.</p> + +<p>There was hardly a day that there was not some +experience added to their store of knowledge pertaining +to airships, and the work connected with +flying, all of which was performed with efficiency +and credit.</p> + +<p>But the work which they performed was not all +a series of jolly excursions without the corresponding +sorrows. The devotion of Lieutenant +Guyon to them dated from the time when that +brave officer was stricken while on a trial flight +from the camp at Bar-le-Duc. He never forgot +how they took charge of the machine, and brought +it safely to earth and cared for him so tenderly. +Thereafter, it was rarely the case that he went +aloft without one or both of the boys in his company.</p> + +<p>Shortly after the foregoing events, while the +three were performing scout duty north of St. +Mihiel, they were attacked by two German machines, +an Albatross and a Taube, a combination +which, especially when operating against a single +machine, is capable of doing deadly work.</p> + +<p>When the two enemy ships were sighted, Alfred<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> +was in the pilot's seat, and under the direction +of the lieutenant, the airplane shot forward +directly in the path of the first machine, while +the lieutenant poured out a constant storm of shot. +The Albatross dived, and Alfred at once moved +the control to ascend, thus bringing their machine +above the Taube.</p> + +<p>The object now was to so manoeuver their ship +as to keep between the two enemies, and in doing +so make it difficult for either of them to use the +quick firers without danger of hitting the other. +The Seraph was a rapid climber, due to the high +power of her engines.</p> + +<p>"Send her up as rapidly as possible," shouted +the lieutenant. "Keep on going, and turn slowly +to the left, so as to make a big circle; that will +give me a chance to put in some shots."</p> + +<p>Alfred knew the manoeuver, the purpose being +to bring the two machines into line with each +other, and thus enable the lieutenant to get his +gun in the range of both machines.</p> + +<p>"A little down now, and more to the right; +there, steady," was the next command.</p> + +<p>"Br-r-r-r-r" sounded the gun, as the officer +turned the crank.</p> + +<p>"The Taube is going down," cried Ralph excitedly, +"and here comes another of the same +kind," continued Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Go straight for the second one," shouted the +lieutenant, and Alfred knew that the same trick +had to be repeated.</p> + +<p>But the new arrival did not accept the invitation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> +to fight on the lines that the first machine +adopted. Instead, it began to circle about at a +safe distance, endeavoring to secure the overhead +position.</p> + +<p>"Follow that bird," said the lieutenant, "and +keep going. They will learn something about high +flying before they get through with us."</p> + +<p>The Albatross was not making much headway +in the climbing game. On the other hand, the new +Taube was an extraordinary flyer.</p> + +<p>"There is only one man aboard of her," said +the lieutenant. "Take the glasses, and see if you +can make out her number."</p> + +<p>Ralph studied the machine for some time. "I +am not sure," he said, "but I think it is D 28. No +one but the pilot is aboard."</p> + +<p>"That's good. He can't hit us head on. Trail +him or get ahead of him and keep on ascending," +said the lieutenant, now preparing his rapid firer +with a new charge.</p> + +<p>The Taube suddenly swerved to the right, and +let loose a full charge from his gun. It seemed +as though one side of the Seraph had the covering +of the planes ripped off, for the hail of bullets tore +right through the frame. Alfred shook his head +as he cleared away several bits of wreckage.</p> + +<p>"How high are we?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Two thousand six hundred meters," was the +reply.</p> + +<p>The lieutenant had his revenge, however, for +their own machine was now creeping up and gradually +getting a rear position. This was what he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> +had been aiming for. The stream of shots from +the Seraph's gun now began to tell. In one despairing +attempt the Taube turned fully half way +around and answered, but it was evident that +something was wrong with the ship.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the Seraph darted down. Ralph and +the lieutenant looked back in surprise. Alfred's +head had dropped to one side, and one arm hung +over the side of the chassis.</p> + +<p>The lieutenant leaned over and caught the elevating +rudder, not a moment too soon, and corrected +the machine. Ralph leaned over the side +of the body, and drew Alfred toward him, as the +lieutenant climbed into the aviator's seat. All +this took but a moment's time, but meanwhile it +was necessary for them to observe the enemy and +avoid him.</p> + +<p>"The Taube is falling," cried out Ralph, "but +the Albatross is swinging around."</p> + +<p>Before it was possible to correct the machine, +and avoid the danger, the gunner of the oncoming +aeroplane began to pump, and the shot began to +tell on the Seraph's framework. The lieutenant +now saw that it would be a terrific task to get +above the Albatross, so turning the control rudder +sharply, the Seraph made a quick slide below +its adversary.</p> + +<p>Alfred did not move, and Ralph tried to control +himself, for in the great excitement attending the +above circumstances, he was almost distracted. +He was leaning partly over the body of the machine +when the lieutenant saw him crouch forward.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> +He put his hand on the boy and tried to shake him, +but there was no response.</p> + +<p>Down, down went the machine, still under absolute +control of the lieutenant, who turned the +machine in a circle in order to be sure to bring +it down within the French lines. When within +five hundred feet of the earth something seemed +to go wrong with the steering mechanism. The +lieutenant tugged and pulled the lever back and +forth. The machine refused to move forward in +a straight line, and landing while the machine is +describing a circular movement is a most dangerous +manoeuver.</p> + +<p>Both boys were quiet, and the lieutenant feared +for the worst. A hundred feet more and all would +be over. In desperation he banked the machine +to stop its terrific speed. This helped the situation, +but did not prevent the spinning motion, and +finally the crash came.</p> + +<p>They landed in a newly ploughed field, the worst +possible sort of place for a disabled machine. +The lieutenant and Ralph were thrown out of their +seats, but Alfred was held fast in the machine.</p> + +<p>Many willing helpers were on hand, and they +found all three of the flyers were unconscious +when put into the van, but, fortunately, they were +within a half mile of the emergency hospital south +of St. Mihiel. On the way to the hospital a hurried +survey was made to ascertain the extent of the injuries, +but the physicians were silent.</p> + +<p>Alfred regained consciousness before the hospital +was reached. The doctors said that there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> +was a severe bruise on the back of his head, as +though he had been struck by some heavy object. +The lieutenant opened his eyes, as he was placed +on the operating cot. He glanced around wildly +for a moment, and then asked: "Where are my +boys!"</p> + +<p>"We have them here; they are all right," said +a nurse.</p> + +<p>He forced a weak smile, turned his head to one +side, and was quiet.</p> + +<p>Ralph had been shot through the body, too high +up, it was believed, to touch the lungs. A second +bullet had passed through the fleshy part of the +left arm, and he was very weak from loss of blood. +The three were placed on adjoining cots after +the first examination was over, and after all had +regained their normal senses a pair of stretcher +bearers entered the door, and bore a wounded man +to one of the adjoining cots.</p> + +<p>The lieutenant was the first to observe the chevrons +on the sleeve of the patient, and that he was +a German. Ralph tried to raise up as he noticed +them carefully lift the wounded man, and deposit +him on the cot.</p> + +<p>"That's the fellow who piloted the last Taube; +I'm sure of that. He's the fellow I saw through +the glasses," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>Inquiry quickly established the truth of Ralph's +observation. His machine had fallen within +French lines, and not far from the place where +the Seraph struck. It was an odd coincidence.</p> + +<p>The lieutenant was the most severely injured,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> +how badly no one knew at the time, for a certain +time must elapse before the full extent of the injury +in such cases develops. The next morning +the boys were informed that the lieutenant was +much worse, and then for two days they had no +news.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, Ralph's wounds were healing, and +no excessive fever developed. Alfred's spine +seemed to be affected by the terrific blow, but that +would be all right again in course of time.</p> + +<p>The sad intelligence came to them a few days +thereafter that the lieutenant had died. It was, indeed, +a grief to them. They had grown to love +him as a friend, and they understood each other +so well. It was learned that his heart was too +weak to bear up against the internal injuries, +which he received when the machine struck the +earth.</p> + +<p>It was two weeks before the boys were able to +leave the hospital, and they were then not able +to return to duty. The shock of their friend's +death was so acute that, as Ralph expressed it, +they never again wanted to see an airplane.</p> + +<p>They were soon sent to Paris to recuperate, and +while there they formed plans which took them +into another part of the great war game, and we +may be able hereafter to follow them in their new +exploits.</p> + + +<h3>THE END</h3> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><br /><span class="smcap">The Motion Picture Comrades Series</span></h2> + +<h4>By ELMER TRACEY BARNES</h4> + + +<p>The object of these books is to place before the +reader the unusual experiences of a party of boys who +succeed in filming a number of interesting scenes.</p> + +<p>The stories are replete with striking incidents on +land and sea, and above all they describe with remarkable +accuracy the methods employed to obtain many +of the wonderful pictures which may be seen on the +screen.</p> + + +<div class="center"> +<br /> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="60%" summary="Motion Picture Comrades Series"> +<tr><td align="left"><b>The Motion Picture Comrades' Great Venture;</b></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>or, On the Road with the Big Round Top</b></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"> </td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><b>The Motion Picture Comrades Through African Jungles;</b></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>or, The Camera Boys in Wild Animal Land</b></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"> </td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><b>The Motion Picture Comrades Along the Orinoco;</b></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>or, Facing Perils in the Tropics</b></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"> </td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><b>The Motion Picture Comrades Aboard a Submarine;</b></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>or, Searching for Treasure Under the Sea</b></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"> </td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><b>The Motion Picture Comrades Producing a Success;</b></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>or, Featuring a Sensation</b></span></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<p class="center"><br /><i>12mo. Cloth</i> —— <i>50c per Volume</i><br /></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="gesperrt">THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 15em;">NEW YORK</span><br /></p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><br />THE MOUNTAIN BOYS SERIES</h2> + + +<div class="center"> +<br /> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="60%" summary="Mountain Boys Series"> +<tr><td align="left"><b>1.</b></td><td align="left"><b>Phil Bradley's Mountain Boys</b></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><b>2.</b></td><td align="left"><b>Phil Bradley at the Wheel</b></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><b>3.</b></td><td align="left"><b>Phil Bradley's Shooting Box</b></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><b>4.</b></td><td align="left"><b>Phil Bradley's Snow-Shoe Trail</b></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><b>5.</b></td><td align="left"><b>Phil Bradley's Winning Way</b></td></tr> +</table><br /></div> + +<h4><b>By SILAS K. BOONE</b></h4> + +<p>These books describe, with interesting detail, the experiences +of a party of boys among the mountain pines.</p> + +<p>They teach the young reader how to protect himself +against the elements, what to do and what to avoid, and +above all to become self-reliant and manly.</p> + +<p class="center"><br /><i>12mo. Cloth</i> —— <i>50c per volume, postpaid</i><br /></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="gesperrt">THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY</span><br /> +201 EAST 12th STREET<span style="margin-left: 7em;"> NEW YORK</span><br /> +</p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><br />THE HILLTOP BOYS SERIES</h2> + +<h4>By CYRIL BURLEIGH</h4> + + +<p><b>The Hilltop Boys; A Story of School Life</b></p> + +<p>Jack Sheldon, a clean-minded and popular student in the academy, +gains the enmity of several of the boys, but their efforts to injure him +fail. A mystery, connected with Jack's earlier life, is used against +him, but he comes off with flying colors.</p> + + +<p><b>The Hilltop Boys in Camp; or, The Rebellion at the Academy</b></p> + +<p>A strange situation arises in which an airship figures as the bearer +of an important letter. The head-master acts without investigating all +the facts, but matters are all finally adjusted to the satisfaction of all +concerned.</p> + + +<p><b>The Hilltop Boys on Lost Island; or, An Unusual Adventure</b></p> + +<p>The scene now shifts to the West Indies and Jack figures as the +hero of a daring rescue. Their experiences in tropical waters form a +most stirring narrative, and the young reader is assured of a tale of +gripping interest from first to last.</p> + + +<p><b>The Hilltop Boys on the River; or, The Cruise Up the Hudson</b></p> + +<p>The Doctor takes a number of the boys on a cruise up the Hudson. +An unlooked-for incident finds Jack Sheldon equal to the occasion, and +what at one time promised to be a disastrous trip for all concerned +was turned into a complete victory for our young friends.</p> + + +<p><b>The Hilltop Boys Doing Their Bit; or, The Young +Farmers of the Highlands</b></p> + +<p>Our young friends, fired with patriotism, prove their real worth to +the community, and their efforts meet with unexpected success.</p> + +<p class="center"><br /><i>12mo. Cloth</i> —— <i>50c per Volume</i></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="gesperrt">THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY</span><br /> +NEW YORK<br /></p> + + + +<hr /> + +<h2><br />THE BOY VOLUNTEERS SERIES</h2> + +<h4>By KENNETH WARD</h4> + +<p class="center"><br /><i>12mo. Cloth. Fully Illustrated</i> —— <i>50c per Volume</i></p> + +<p><br /><span class="smcap">The Newest Boys' Books on the European War, Relating the +Adventures of Two American Boys and Their Experiences +in Battle at Sea and on Air Scout Duty. All Profusely Illustrated +with Authentic Drawings.</span></p> + +<p><br /><b>The Boy Volunteers on the Belgian Front</b></p> + +<p>Describes the adventures of two American boys who were in Europe +when the great war commenced. Their enlistment with Belgian +troops and their remarkable experiences are based upon actual +occurrences and the book is replete with line drawings of fighting +machines, air planes and maps of places where the most important +battles took place and of other matters of interest.</p> + +<p><br /><b>The Boy Volunteers with the French Airmen</b></p> + +<p>This book relates the further adventures of the young Americans in +France, where they viewed the fighting from above the firing lines. +From this book the reader gains considerable knowledge of the +different types of air planes and battle planes used by the warring +nations, as all descriptions are illustrated with unusually clear line +drawings.</p> + +<p><br /><b>The Boy Volunteers with the British Artillery</b></p> + +<p>How many boys today know anything about the great guns now +being used on so many European battle fronts? Our young friends +had the rare opportunity of witnessing, at first hand, a number +of these terrific duels, and the story which is most fascinatingly +told is illustrated with numerous drawings of the British, French +and German field pieces.</p> + +<p><br /><b>The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine Fleet</b></p> + +<p>Our young heroes little expected to be favored with so rare an experience +as a trip under the sea in one of the great submarines. In +this book the author accurately describes the submarine in action, +and the many interesting features of this efficient fighting craft +are made clear to the reader by a series of splendid line drawings.</p> + +<p><br /><b>The Boy Volunteers with the American Infantry</b></p> + +<p>The entry of the United States into the great conflict offers the +two boys their long-looked-for opportunity. The arrival of our +troops abroad and the boys' experiences with them make a thrilling +tale.</p> + +<p class="center"><br /><span class="gesperrt">THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY</span><br /> +PUBLISHERS<span style="margin-left: 9em;"> NEW YORK</span></p> + +<div class="tnotes"><h3>Transcriber's Notes:</h3> + +<div class="tnote"><p>Obvious punctuation errors repaired.</p></div> + +<div class="tnote"><p>Printer errors and inconsistent spelling repaired, including:</p> +<ul><li>p. 15 "Eecheren" changed to "Eeckeren" (north to Eeckeren)</li> +<li>p. 18 "Belguim" changed to "Belgium" (end of Belgium)</li> +<li>p. 21 "increditably" changed to "incredibly" (incredibly short space)</li> +<li>p. 77 "d'l'Opera" changed to "de l'Opéra" (the rue de l'Opéra)</li> +<li>p. 80 "Bologne" changed to "Boulogne" (Bois de Boulogne)</li> +<li>p. 109 "aline" changed to "aligned" (were properly aligned)</li> +<li>p. 127 "reappeared" changed to "re-appeared" (the lieutenant re-appeared)</li> +<li>p. 152 "Ludwigschafen" changed to "Ludwigshafen" (and near Ludwigshafen)</li> +<li>p. 156 "is" removed from phrase "without the cap is on" (without the cap on)</li> +<li>p. 158 "th" changed to "the" (the first bomb)</li> +<li>p. 161 "enconiums" changed to "encomiums" (heard the encomiums)</li> +<li>p. 163 "disance" changed to "distance" (a safe distance)</li> +<li>Advertisement page "to-day" changed to "today" (many boys today)</li> +</ul></div></div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Volunteers with the French +Airmen, by Kenneth Ward + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY VOLUNTEERS WITH THE *** + +***** This file should be named 37927-h.htm or 37927-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/9/2/37927/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Judith Wirawan and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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