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diff --git a/6458-h/6458-h.htm b/6458-h/6458-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..57a9044 --- /dev/null +++ b/6458-h/6458-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7058 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Air Service Boys in the Big Battle, by Charles Amory Beach + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Air Service Boys in the Big Battle, by +Charles Amory Beach + +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: Air Service Boys in the Big Battle + +Author: Charles Amory Beach + +Release Date: March 23, 2009 [EBook #6458] +Last Updated: March 15, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AIR SERVICE BOYS IN THE BIG BATTLE *** + + + + +Produced by Sean Pobuda, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + AIR SERVICE BOYS IN THE BIG BATTLE + </h1> + <h2> + Or SILENCING THE BIG GUNS + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Charles Amory Beach + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> BAD NEWS FROM + THE AIR <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> A + GIRL'S APPEAL <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> ANXIOUS + WAITING <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> TRANSFERRED + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> THE + RESOLVE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> IN + PARIS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> THE + AMERICAN FRONT <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> A + BATTLE IN THE AIR <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> THE + FALLING GLOVE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> STUNTS + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> OVER THE + LINES <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> A + PERFECT SHOT <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> A + DARING SCHEME <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> WILL + THEY SUCCEED? <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> BADLY + HIT <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> JUST + IN TIME <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> A + CRASH <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> GETTING + A ZEPPELIN <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> ON + PATROL <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> CAPTURED + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> THE + CLEW <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> NELLIE'S + RESOLVE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> THE + BIG BATTLE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> SILENCING + THE GERMAN GUNS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> THE + RESCUE <br /><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. BAD NEWS FROM THE AIR + </h2> + <p> + “Well, Tom, how's your head now?” + </p> + <p> + “How's my head? What do you mean? There's nothing the matter with my + head,” and the speaker, who wore the uniform of a French aviator, glanced + up in surprise from the cot on which he was reclining in his tent near the + airdromes that stretched around a great level field, not far from Paris. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, isn't there?” questioned Jack Parmly, with a smile. “Then I beg your + pardon for asking, my cabbage! I beg your pardon, Sergeant Raymond!” + </p> + <p> + Tom Raymond, whose, chum had addressed him by the military title, looked + curiously at his companion, and smiled at the appellation of the term + cabbage. It was one of the many little tricks picked up by association + with their French flying comrades, of speaking to a friend by some odd, + endearing term. It might be cucumber or rose, cabbage or cart wheel—the + words mattered not, it was the meaning back of them. + </p> + <p> + “Say, is anything the matter?” went on Tom, as his chum, attired like + himself', but wearing an old blouse covered with oil and grease, continued + to smile. “What gave you the notion that my head hurt?” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't say it hurt. I only asked how it was. The swelling hasn't begun + to subside in mine yet, and I was wondering if it had in yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Swelling? Subside? What in the world—” + </p> + <p> + Jack Parmly brought to a sudden termination the rapid torrent of words + from the mouth of his churn by silently pointing to a small medal fastened + to the uniform jacket of his friend. It was the coveted croix de guerre. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that!” exclaimed Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing else, my pickled beet!” answered Jack. “Doesn't it make your head + swell up as if it would burst every time you look at it? Now don't say it + doesn't, for that's the way it affects me, and I'm sure you're not very + different. And every time I read the citation that goes with the medal—well, + I'm just aching for a chance to show it to the folks back home, aren't + you, Sergeant?” + </p> + <p> + Tom Raymond started a bit at the second use of the title. + </p> + <p> + “I see you aren't any more used to it than I am!” exclaimed Jack. “Well, + it'll be a little time before we stop looking around to see if it isn't + some one behind us they're talking to. So I thought I'd practice it a bit + on you. And you can do the same for me. I should think, out of common + politeness, you'd get up, salute and call me the same.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Now I see what you're driving at,” voiced Tom, as he glanced up from + a momentary look at his medal to the face of his comrade-in-arms, or + perhaps in flying would be more appropriate. “The wind's in that quarter, + is it?” + </p> + <p> + “No wind at all to speak of,” broke in Jack. “If you'd like to go for a + fly, and see if we can bag a Boche or two, I'm with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Against orders, Jack. I'd like to, but we were ordered here for rest and + observation work; and you know, as well as I do, that obeying orders is + just as important as sending a member of the Hun Flying Circus down where + he can't do any more of his grandstand stunts. But I'm hoping the time + will come when we can climb up back of our machine guns again, and do our + bit to show that the little old U. S. A. is still on the map.” + </p> + <p> + “I guess that time'll soon come, Tom, old man. I heard rumors that a lot + of us were to be sent up nearer the front shortly, and if they don't + include you and me, there'll be something doing in this camp!” + </p> + <p> + “That's what I say. So you thought I'd have a swelled head, did you, + because they gave us the croix de guerre?” + </p> + <p> + “I confess I had a faint suspicion that way,” admitted Jack. “Both of us + being advanced to sergeants was a big step, too.” + </p> + <p> + “It was,” agreed Tom. “I almost wish they hadn't done it, for there are + lots of others in the escadrille that deserve it fully as much, and some + more, than we do.” + </p> + <p> + “That's right. But you can't make these delightful Frenchmen see anything + the way you want 'em to. Once they get a notion in their heads that you've + done something for la belle Frame, they're your friends for life, kissing + you on both cheeks and pinning medals on you wherever they'll stick.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, they mean all right, Jack,” said Tom. “And there aren't any braver + or more lovable people on the face of the earth than these same French. + They've done more and suffered more for their country than we dream of. + And it's only natural that they should say 'much obliged,' in their own + particular way, to any one they think is helping to free them from the + Germans.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you're right. But advancing us to sergeants would have been + enough, without pinning the decorations on us and mentioning us in the + order of the day, as well as giving us as fine a citation as ever was + signed by a commanding general. However, it's all in the day's work, + though when we flew over the German super cannons, and did our bit in + helping demolish them so they couldn't shell Paris any more, we didn't + think—or, at least, I didn't—that we'd be sitting here talking + about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Me either,” agreed Tom. “But, to get down to brass tacks, what have you + been doing to get into such a mess? You look like a chauffeur of the old + days they tell of when they had to climb under the car to see if it needed + oiling—” + </p> + <p> + “That's just about what I have been doing,” admitted Jack. “When I heard + the rumor that our escadrille might get orders to move at any hour, I + decided that it was up to me to look MY machine over. It didn't make that + nose dive just the way I wanted it to the last time I was up, and I'm not + taking any chances. So I've been crawling in and around and under it—” + </p> + <p> + “While I've been lying here I taking it easy!” broke in Tom. “I don't call + that fair of you, Jack,” and he seemed genuinely hurt. + </p> + <p> + “Go easy now, my pickled onion!” laughed his chum. “I wasn't going to + leave you out in the cold. I just came to tell you that you'd better stop + looking like a moving picture of an airman, and put on some old duds to + look over your own craft. And here you go and—” + </p> + <p> + “All right, old ham sandwich!” laughed Tom. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “I'll forgive you. I'm going to do the same as you, and tinker +with my machine. If, as you say, we're likely to be on the job again +soon, I don't want too take any chances either. Where's that mechanician +of mine? There was something wrong with my joy stick, he said, the last +time I came down out of the clouds to take an enforced rest, and I might +as well start with that, if there's any repairing to be done—” + </pre> + <p> + Tom flung off his uniform jacket, with the two silver wings, denoting that + he was a full-fledged airman, and sent an orderly to summon his chief + mechanician, for each aviator had several helpers to run messages for him, + as well as to see that his machine is in perfect trim. + </p> + <p> + Experts are needed to see to it that the machine and the aviator are in + perfect trim, leaving for the airman himself the trying and difficult + task, sometimes, of flying upside down, while he is making observations of + the enemy with one eye, and fighting off a Boche with the other—ready + to kill or be killed. + </p> + <p> + Sergeants Tom Raymond and Jack Parmly, chums and fellow airmen flying for + France, started toward the aerodromes where their machines were kept when + not in use. They were both attired now for hard and not very clean work, + though the more laborious part would be done by mechanics at their orders. + Still the lads themselves would leave nothing to chance. Indeed no airman + does, for in very, truth his He and the success of an army may, at times, + depend on the strength or weakness of a seemingly insignificant bit of + wire or the continuity of a small gasoline pipe. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it'll seem good to get up in the air again,” remarked Jack. “A + little rest is all right, but too much is more than enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Right O, my sliced liberty bond!” laughed Tom. “And now—” + </p> + <p> + Their talk was interrupted by a cheer that broke out in front of a + recreation house, in reality a YMCA hut, or le Foyer du Soldat as it was + called. It was where the airmen went when not on duty to read the papers, + write letters and buy chocolate. + </p> + <p> + “What's up now?” asked Jack, as he and his chum looked toward the cheering + squad of aviators and their assistants. + </p> + <p> + “Give it up. Let's go over and find out.” + </p> + <p> + They broke into a run as the cheering continued, and then they saw hats + being thrown into the air and men capering about with every evidence of + joy. + </p> + <p> + “We must have won a big battle!” cried Jack. + </p> + <p> + “Seems so,” agreed Tom. “Hi there! what is it?” he asked in French of a + fellow aviator. + </p> + <p> + “What is it? You ask me what? Ah, joy of my life! It is you who ought to + know first! It is you who should give thanks! Ah!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's all right, old man,” returned Jack in English. “We'll give + thanks right as soon as we know what it is; but we aren't mind readers, + you know, and there are so many things to guess at that there's no use in + wasting the time. Tell us, like a good chap!” he begged in French, for he + saw the puzzled look on the face of the aviator Tom had addressed. + </p> + <p> + “It is the best news ever!” was the answer. “The first of your brave + countrymen have arrived to help us drive the Boche from France! The first + American Expeditionary Force, to serve under your brave General Pershing, + has reached the shores of France safely, in spite of the U-boats, and are + even now marching to show themselves in Paris! Ah, is it any wonder that + we rejoice? How is it you say in your own delightful country? Two cheers + and a lion! Ah!” + </p> + <p> + “Tiger, my dear boy! Tiger!” laughed Jack. “And, while you're about it, + you might as well make it three cheers and done with it. Not that it makes + any great amount of difference in this case, but it's just the custom, my + stuffed olive!” + </p> + <p> + And then he and Tom were fairly carried off their feet by the rush of + enthusiastic Frenchmen to congratulate them on the good news, and to share + it with them. + </p> + <p> + “Is it really true?” asked Tom. “Has any substantial part of Uncle Sam's + boys really got here at last?” + </p> + <p> + He was told that such was the case. The news had just been received at the + headquarters of the flying squad to which Tom and Jack were attached. + About ten thousand American soldiers were even then on French soil. Their + coming had long been waited for, and the arrangements sailed in secret, + and the news was known in American cities scarcely any sooner than it was + in France, so careful had the military authorities been not to give the + lurking German submarines a chance to torpedo the transports. + </p> + <p> + “Is not that glorious news, my friend?” asked the Frenchman who had given + it to Tom and Jack. + </p> + <p> + “The best ever!” was the enthusiastic reply. And then Jack, turning to his + chum, said in a low voice, as the Frenchman hurried back to the cheering + throng: “You know what this means for us, of course?” + </p> + <p> + “Rather guess I do!” was the response. “It means we've got to apply for a + transfer and fight under Pershing!” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly. Now how are we going to do it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I fancy it will be all right. Merely a question of detail and + procedure. They can't object to our wanting to fight among our own + countrymen, now that enough of them are over here to make a showing. I + suppose this is the first of the big army that's coming.” + </p> + <p> + “I imagine so,” agreed Jack. “Hurray! this is something like. There's + going to be hard fighting. I realize that. But this is the beginning of + the end, as I see it.” + </p> + <p> + “That's what! Now, instead of tinkering over our machines, let's see the + commandant and—-” + </p> + <p> + Jack motioned to his chum to cease talking. Then he pointed up to the sky. + There was a little speck against the blue, a speck that became larger as + the two Americans watched. + </p> + <p> + “One of our fliers coming bark,” remarked Tom in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “I hope he brings more good news,” returned Jack. + </p> + <p> + The approaching airman came rapidly nearer, and then the throngs that had + gathered about the headquarters building to discuss the news of the + arrival of the first American forces turned to watch the return of the + flier. + </p> + <p> + “It's Du Boise,” remarked Tom, naming an intrepid French fighter. He was + one of the “aces,” and had more than a score of Boche machines to his + credit. “He must have been out 'on his own,' looking for a stray German.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he and Leroy went out together,” assented Jack. “But I don't see + Harry's machine,” and anxiously he scanned the heavens. + </p> + <p> + Harry Leroy was, like Tom and Jack, an American aviator who had lately + joined the force in which the two friends had rendered such valiant + service. Tom and Jack had known him on the other side—had, in fact, + first met and become friendly with him at a flying school in Virginia. + Leroy had suffered a slight accident which had put him out of the flying + service for a year, but he had persisted, had finally been accepted, and + was welcomed to France by his chums who had preceded him. + </p> + <p> + “I hope nothing has happened to Harry,” murmured Tom; “but I don't see + him, and it's queer Du Boise would come back without him.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe he had to—for gasoline or something,” suggested Jack. + </p> + <p> + “I hope it isn't any worse than that,” went on Tom. But his voice did not + carry conviction. + </p> + <p> + The French aviator landed, and as he climbed out of his machine, helped by + orderlies and others who rushed up, he was seen to stagger. + </p> + <p> + “Are you hurt?” asked Tom, hurrying up. + </p> + <p> + “A mere scratch-nothing, thank you,” was the answer. + </p> + <p> + “Where's Harry Leroy?” Jack asked. “Did you have to leave him?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, monsieur, I bring you bad news from the air,” was the answer. “We + were attacked by seven Boche machines. We each got one, and then—well, + they got me—but what matters that? It is a mere nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “What of Harry?” persisted Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, it is of him I would speak. He is—he fell inside the enemy + lines; and I had to come back for help. My petrol gave out, and I—“' + </p> + <p> + And then, pressing his hands over his breast, the brave airman staggered + and fell, as a stream of blood issued from beneath his jacket. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. A GIRL'S APPEAL + </h2> + <p> + At once half a score of hands reached out to render aid to the stricken + airman, whose blood was staining the ground where he had fallen. + </p> + <p> + Tom, seeing that his fellow aviator was more desperately wounded than the + brave man had admitted, at once summoned stretcher-bearers, and he was + carried to the hospital. Then all anxiously awaited the report of the + surgeons, who quickly prepared to render aid to the fighter of the air. + </p> + <p> + “How is he?” asked Jack, as he and Tom, lingering near the hospital, saw + one of the doctors emerge. + </p> + <p> + “He is doing very nicely,” was the answer, given in French, for the two + boys of the air spoke this language now with ease, if not always with + absolute correctness. + </p> + <p> + “Then he isn't badly hurt?” asked Jack. + </p> + <p> + “No. The wound in his chest was only a flesh one, but it bled + considerably. Two bullets from an aircraft machine gun struck ribs, and + glanced off from them, but tore the flesh badly. The bleeding was held in + check by the pressure DU Boise exerted on the wounds underneath his + jacket, but at last he grew faint from loss of blood, and then the stream + welled out. With rest and care he will be all right in a few days.” + </p> + <p> + “How soon could we talk with him?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Talk with him?” asked the surgeon. “Is that necessary? He is doing very + well, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Tom means ask him some questions,” explained Jack. “You see, he started + to tell us about our chum, Harry Leroy, who was out scouting with him. + Harry was shot down, so Du Boise said, but he didn't get a chance to give + any particulars, and we thought—” + </p> + <p> + “It will be a day or so before he will be able to talk to you,” the + surgeon said. “He is very weak, and must not be disturbed.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, may we talk with him just as soon as possible?” eagerly asked Jack. + “We want to find out where it was that Harry went down in his machine—out + of control very likely—and if we get a chance—” + </p> + <p> + “We'd like to take it out on those that shot him down!” interrupted Torn. + “Du Boise must have noticed the machines that fought him and Harry, and if + we could get any idea of the Boches who were in them—” + </p> + <p> + “I see,” and the surgeon bowed and smiled approval of their idea. “You + want revenge. I hope you get it. As soon as we think he is able to talk,” + and he nodded in the direction of the hospital, “we will let you see him. + Good luck to you, and confusion to the Huns!” + </p> + <p> + “Gee, but this is tough luck!” murmured Tom, as he and his chum turned + away. “Just as we were getting ready to go back into the game, too! Had it + all fixed up for Harry to fly with us in a sort of a triangle scheme to + down the Boches, and they have to go and plump him off the map. Well, it + is tough!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sort of takes the fun out of the good news we heard a while ago,” + agreed Jack. “I mean about Pershing's boys getting over here to France. I + hope Harry's only wounded, instead of killed. But if the Huns have him a + prisoner—good-night!” + </p> + <p> + “There's only one consolation,” added Tom. “Their airmen are the best of + the lot Of course that isn't saying much, but they behave a little more + like human beings than the rest of the Boche gang; and if Harry has fallen + a prisoner to them he'll get a bit of decent treatment, anyhow.” + </p> + <p> + “That's so. We'll hope for that. And now let's go on with what we started + when we saw Du Boise coming back—let's see what chance we have of + being transferred to an All American escadrille.” + </p> + <p> + The boys started across the field again toward the headquarters, and, + nearing it, they saw, in a small motor car, a girl sitting beside the + military driver. She was a pretty girl, and it needed only one glance to + show that she was an American. + </p> + <p> + “Hello!” exclaimed Tom, with a low whistle. “Look who's here!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know her?” asked Jack. + </p> + <p> + “No. Wish I did, though.” + </p> + <p> + Jack glanced quickly and curiously at his chum. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you needn't think you're the only chap that has a drag with the + girls,” went on Tom. “Just because Bessie Gleason—” + </p> + <p> + “Cut it out!” exclaimed Jack. “Look, she acts as though she wanted to + speak to us.” + </p> + <p> + The military chauffeur had alighted from the machine and was talking to + one of the French aviation officers. Meanwhile the girl, left to herself, + was looking about the big aviation field, with a look of wonder, mixed + with alarm and nervousness. She caught sight of Tom and Jack, and a smile + came to her face, making her, as Tom said afterward, the prettiest picture + he had seen in a long while. + </p> + <p> + “You're Americans, aren't you?” began the girl, turning frankly to them. + “I know you are! And, oh, I'm in such trouble!” + </p> + <p> + Tom stepped ahead of Jack, who was taking off his cap and bowing. + </p> + <p> + “Let me have a show for my white alley,” Tom murmured to his chum. “You've + got one girl.” + </p> + <p> + “You win,” murmured Jack. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we're from the United States,” said Tom. “But it's queer to see a + girl here—from America or anywhere else. How'd you get through the + lines, and what can we do for you?” + </p> + <p> + “I am looking for my brother,” was the answer. “I understood he was + stationed here, and I managed to get passes to come to see him, but it + wasn't easy work. I met this officer in his motor car, and he brought me + along the last stage of the journey. Can you tell me where my brother is? + His name is Harry Leroy.” + </p> + <p> + Torn said afterward that he felt as though he had gone into a spinning + nose dive with a Boche aviator on his tail, while Jack admitted that he + felt somewhat as he did the time his gasoline pipe was severed by a Hun + bullet when he was high in the air and several miles behind the enemy's + lines. + </p> + <p> + “Your—your brother!” Tom managed to mutter. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Harry Leroy. He's from the United States, too. Perhaps you know him, + as I notice you are both aviators. He told me if I ever got to France to + come to see him, and he mentioned the names of two young men—I have + them here somewhere—” + </p> + <p> + She began to search in the depths of a little leather valise she carried, + and, at that moment, the military chauffeur who had brought her to the + aviation field turned to her, and spoke rapidly in French. + </p> + <p> + She understood the language, as did Tom and Jack, and at the first words + her face went white. For the chauffeur informed her that her brother, + Harry Leroy, whom she had come so far to see, was, even then, lying dead + or wounded within the German lines. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” the girl murmured, her fare becoming whiter and more white. “Oh—Harry!” + </p> + <p> + Then she would have fallen from the seat, only Tom leaped forward and + caught her in his arms. + </p> + <p> + And while efforts were being made to restore the girl to consciousness, + may I not take this opportunity of telling my new readers something of the + previous books of this series, so that they may read this one more + intelligently? + </p> + <p> + Torn Raymond and Jack Parmly, as related in the initial volume, “Air + Service Boys Flying for France; or The Young Heroes of the Lafayette + Escadrille,” were Virginians. Soon after the great world conflict started, + they burned with a desire to fight on the side of freedom, and it was as + aviators that they desired to help. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly they went to an aviation school in Virginia, under the + auspices of the Government, and there learned the rudiments of flying. + Tom's father had invented an aeroplane stabilizer, but, as told in the + story, the plans and other papers had been stolen by a German spy. + </p> + <p> + Tom and his chum resolved to get possession of the documents, and they + kept up the search after they reached France and were made members of the + Lafayette Escadrille. It was in France that they met Adolph Tuessing, the + German spy. + </p> + <p> + The second volume, entitled “Air Service Boys Over the Enemy's Lines; or + The German Spy's Secret,” takes the two young men through further + adventures. They had become acquainted on the steamer with a girl named + Bessie Gleason and her mother. Carl Potzfeldt, a German sailing under + false colors, claimed to be a friend of Bessie and her mother, but Jack, + who was more than casually interested in the girl, was suspicious of this + man. And his suspicions proved correct, for Potzfeldt had planned a daring + trick. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +After some strenuous happenings, in which the Air Service Boys assisted, +Bessie and her mother were rescued from the clutches of Potzfeldt, +and went to Paris, Mrs. Gleason engaging in Red Cross work, and Bessie +helping her as best she could. + + Immediately preceding this present volume is the third, called “Air +Service Boys Over the Rhine; or Fighting Above the Clouds.” + </pre> + <p> + By this time the United States had entered the great war on the side of + humanity and democracy. + </p> + <p> + Then the world was startled by the news that a great German cannon was + firing on Paris seventy miles away, and consternation reigned for a time. + Tom and Jack had a hand in silencing the great gun, for it was they who + discovered where it was hidden. Also in the third volume is related how + Tom's father, who had disappeared, was found again. + </p> + <p> + The boys passed through many startling experiences with their usual + bravery, so that, when the present story opens, they were taking a much + needed and well-earned rest. Mr. Raymond, having accomplished his mission, + had returned to the United States. + </p> + <p> + Then, as we have seen, came the news of the arrival of the first of + Pershing's forces, and with it came the sad message that Harry Leroy, the + chum of Torn and Jack, had fallen behind the German lines. And whether he + was alive now, though wounded, or was another victim of the Hun machine + guns, could not be told. + </p> + <p> + “Harry's sister couldn't have come at a worse time,” remarked Tom, as he + rejoined Jack, having carried the unconscious girl to the same hospital + where Du Boise lay wounded. + </p> + <p> + “I should say not!” agreed Jack. “Do you really suppose she's Harry's + sister?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see Any reason to doubt it. She said so, didn't she?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, of course. I was just wondering. Say, it's going to be tough + when she wakes up and realizes what's happened.” + </p> + <p> + “You bet it is! This has been a tough day all around, and if it wasn't for + the good news that our boys are in France I'd feel pretty rocky. But now + we've got all the more incentive to get busy!” exclaimed Tom. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean get our machines in fighting trim. I'm going out and get a few + Germans to make up for what they did to Harry.” + </p> + <p> + “You're right! I'm with you! But what about what's her name—I mean + Harry's sister?” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't hear her name. Some of the Red Cross nurses are looking after + her. They promised to let me know when she came to. We can offer to help + her, I suppose, being, as you might say, neighbors.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure!” agreed Jack. “I'm with you. But let's go and—” + </p> + <p> + However they did not go at once, wherever it was that Jack was going to + propose, for, at that moment, one of the Red Cross nurses attached to the + aviation hospital came to the door and beckoned to the boys. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Leroy is conscious now,” was the message. “She wants to see you + two,” and the nurse smiled at them. + </p> + <p> + Tom and Jack found Miss Leroy, looking pale, but prettier than ever, + sitting up in a chair. She leaned forward eagerly as they entered, and, + holding out her hands, exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “They tell me you are my brother's chums! Oh, can you not get me some news + of him? Can you not let him know that I have come so far to see him? I am + anxious! Oh, where is he?” and she looked from Tom to Jack, and then to + Tom again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. ANXIOUS WAITING + </h2> + <p> + Nellie Leroy—for such the boys learned was her name—broke the + silence, that was growing tense, by asking: + </p> + <p> + “Is there any hope? Tell me, do you think there is a chance that my + brother may be alive?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there is, certainly!” exclaimed Tom quickly, before Jack had an + opportunity to give, possibly, a less hopeful answer. + </p> + <p> + “And if he is alive, is there a chance that he may be rescued—that I + may go to him?” she went on. + </p> + <p> + “Hardly that,” said Tom, slowly. “It's a wonder you ever got as near to + the front as this. But as for getting past the German lines—” + </p> + <p> + “Then what can I do?” asked Nellie Leroy, eagerly. “Oh, tell me something + that I can do. I'm used to hard work,” she went on. “I've been a Red Cross + nurse for some time, and I helped in one big explosion of a munitions + plant in New Jersey before I came over. That's one reason they let me come—because + I proved that I could do things!” and she did look very efficient, in + spite of her paleness, in spite of her, seeming frailness. There was an + indefinable air about her which showed that she would carry through + whatever she undertook. “I never fainted before—never.” + </p> + <p> + “It's like this,” said Tom, and Jack seemed content, now, to let his chum + play the chief role. “When one of us goes down in his machine back of the + enemy's lines, those left over here never really know what has happened + for a few days.” + </p> + <p> + “And how do they know then?' she asked. + </p> + <p> + “The German airmen are more decent than some of the other Hun forces we're + fighting,” explained Torn. “Generally after they capture one of our + escadrille members, dead or alive, they fly over our lines a few days + later and drop a cap, or a glove, or something that belongs to the + prisoner. Sometimes they attach a note, written by one of their airmen or + from the prisoner, giving news of his condition.” + </p> + <p> + “And you think they may do this in my brother's case?” asked Nellie. + </p> + <p> + “They are very likely to,” assented Tom, and Jack, to whom the girl looked + for confirmation, nodded, his agreement. + </p> + <p> + “How long shall we have to wait?” Harry's sister asked. + </p> + <p> + “There is no telling,” said Tom “Sometimes it's a week before their airmen + get a chance to fly over our lines. It all depends.” + </p> + <p> + “On what?” + </p> + <p> + “On how the battle goes,” answered Tom. “If there is much fighting, and + many engagements in the air, the Boches don't get a chance to fly over and + drop tokens of our men they may have shot down. We do the same for them, + so it's six of one and a half dozen of the other. Often for a week we + don't get a chance to let them know about prisoners we have, because the + fighting is so severe.” + </p> + <p> + “Will it be that way now?” the girl went on. + </p> + <p> + “Hard to say—we don't have the ordering of battles,” replied Jack. + “But it's been rather quiet for a few days, and it's likely to continue + so. If it does one of their men may fly over to-morrow, or the next day, + and drop something your brother wore—or even a note from him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I hope they do the last!” she murmured. “If I could have a note from + him I'd be the happiest girl alive I I'd know, then, that he was all + right.” + </p> + <p> + “He may be,” said Tom, trying to be hopeful. “You see Du Boise, who was + with Harry when the fight took place, is himself wounded, so he can't tell + us much about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they told me that my brother's companion reached here badly hurt. He + is so brave! I wish they would let me help take care of him. I understand + a great deal about wounds, and I'm not at all afraid of the sight of + blood. It was silly of me to faint just now, but—I—I couldn't + help it. I'd been counting so much on seeing Harry, and when they told me + he was gone—” + </p> + <p> + She covered her face with her hands, and endeavored to repress her + emotion. + </p> + <p> + “You're not Harry's little sister, are you?” asked Jack, hoping to change + the current of talk into other and happier channels. + </p> + <p> + “No; that's Mabel—Mab he calls her. She's younger than I. Did he + often speak of her?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; and you too!” exclaimed Tom, so warmly that Nellie blushed, and + the damask tint in her hitherto pale cheeks was most becoming. + </p> + <p> + “We've seen your picture, and Mab's too,” went on Tom. “Harry keeps them + just over his cot in the barracks. But I didn't recognize you when I saw + you a little while ago in the machine. Though I might have, if so many + things hadn't happened all at once, and made me sort of hazy,” Tom + explained. + </p> + <p> + “Then are you and my brother good friends?” asked Nellie. + </p> + <p> + “The best ever!” exclaimed Tom, and Jack warmly assented. “Not so many + Americans are in this branch of the escadrille as are in others,” Torn + went on; “so Harry and Jack and I are a sort of little trio all by + ourselves. He hardly ever goes up without us, but we are on a rest billet; + and to-day he went up with Du Boise.” + </p> + <p> + “If he had only come back!” sighed Nellie. “But there! I mustn't complain. + Harry wouldn't let me if he were here. We both have to do our duty. Now + I'm going to see what I can do to help, and not be silly and do any more + fainting. I hope you'll pardon me,” and she smiled at the two boys. + </p> + <p> + “Of course!” exclaimed Tom, with great emphasis, and again Miss Leroy + blushed. + </p> + <p> + “Then, is to wait the only thing we can do?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “That's all,” assented Tom. “We may get a message from the clouds any + day.” + </p> + <p> + “And, oh! I shall pray that it may be favorable!” murmured the girl. + “Perhaps I may question this Mr. Du Boise, and learn from him just what + happened?” she interrogated. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we want to talk to him ourselves, as soon as he's able to sit up,” + said Jack. “We want to get a shot at the Boche who downed Harry.” + </p> + <p> + “So you are as fond of Harry as all that! I am glad!” exclaimed his + sister. “Have you known him long?” + </p> + <p> + “We knew him slightly before we went to the flying school in Virginia with + him,” said Tom. “But down there, when we started in at 'grass-cutting,' + and worked our way up, we grew to know him better. Then Jack and I got our + chance to come over. But Harry had a smash, and he had to wait a year.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know. It almost broke his heart,” said Miss Leroy. “I was away at + school at the time, which accounts for my not knowing more of you boys, + since Harry always wrote me, or told me, about his chums. Then, when I + came back after my graduation, I found that he had sailed for France.” + </p> + <p> + “And maybe we weren't glad to see him!” exclaimed Tom. “It was like + getting letters from home.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I recall, now, his mentioning that he had met over here some + students from the Virginia school,” said Miss Leroy. “Well, after Harry + sailed I was wild to go, but father and mother would not hear of it at + first. Then, when the war grew worse, and I showed them that I could do + hard work for the Red Cross, they consented. So I sailed, but I never + expected to get like this.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well, everything may come out all right,” said Tom, as cheerfully as + he could. But, in very truth, he was not very hopeful in his heart. + </p> + <p> + For once an aviator succumbs to the hail of bullets from the German + machine guns in an aircraft, and his own creature of steel and wings goes + hurtling down, there is only a scant chance that the disabled airman will + land alive. + </p> + <p> + Of course some have done it, and, even with their machines out of control + and on fire, they have lived through the awful experience. But the chances + were and are against them. + </p> + <p> + Harry Leroy had been seen to go down, apparently with his machine out of + control, after a fusillade of Boche bullets. This much Du Boise had said + before his collapse. As to what the fallen aviator's real fate was, time + alone could disclose. + </p> + <p> + “I can only wait!” sighed Nellie, as the boys took their leave. “The days + will be anxious ones—days of waiting. I shall help here all I can. + You'll let me know the moment there is any news—good or bad—won't + you?” she begged; and her eyes filled with tears. + </p> + <p> + “We'll bring you the news at once—night or day!” exclaimed Tom, + vigorously. + </p> + <p> + As he and Jack walked out of the hospital, the latter remarked: + </p> + <p> + “You seem to be a favorite there, all right, Tom, my boy. If we weren't + such good chums I might be a bit jealous.” + </p> + <p> + “If you feel that way I'll drop Bessie Gleason a note!” suggested Tom, + quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Don't!” begged Jack. “I'll be good!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. TRANSFERRED + </h2> + <p> + One glance at the bulletin board, erected just outside their quarters at + the aerodrome, told Tom and Jack what they were detailed for that day. It + was the day following the arrival of Nellie Leroy at that particular place + in France, only to find that her brother was missing—either dead, or + alive and a prisoner behind the German lines. + </p> + <p> + “Sergeant Thomas Raymond will report to headquarters at eight o'clock, to + do patrol work.” + </p> + <p> + “Sergeant Jack Parmly will report to headquarters at eight o'clock for + reconnaissance with a photographer, who will be detailed.” + </p> + <p> + Thus read the bulletin board, and Tom and Jack, looking at it, nodded to + one another, while Tom remarked: + </p> + <p> + “Got our work cut out for us all right.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” agreed Jack. “Only I wish I could change places with you. I don't + like those big, heavy machines.” + </p> + <p> + But orders are orders, nowhere more so than in the aviation squad, and + soon the two lads, after a hearty if hasty breakfast, were ready for the + day's work. They each realized that when the sun set they might either be + dead, wounded or prisoners. It was a life full of eventualities. + </p> + <p> + A little later the two young airmen, in common with their comrades, were + ready. Some were to do patrol work, like Tom—that is fly over and + along the German lines in small swift, fighting planes, to attack a Hun + machine, if any showed, and to give notice of any attack, either from the + air or on the ground. The latter attacks the airmen would observe in + progress and report to the commanders of infantry or batteries who could + take steps to meet the attack, or even frustrate it. + </p> + <p> + Tom was assigned to a speedy Spad machine, one of great power and + lightness into which he climbed. He was to fly alone, and on his machine + was a machine gun of the Vickers type, which had to be aimed by directing, + or pointing, the aeroplane itself at the enemy. + </p> + <p> + After Tom had given a hasty but careful look at his craft, and had assured + himself of the accuracy of the report of his mechanician that it had oil + and petrol, his starter took his place in front of the propeller. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Jack,” called Tom to his chum, across the field, where Jack was + making his preparations for taking up a photographer in a big two-seated + machine, “I wish you luck.” + </p> + <p> + “Same to you, old man. If you see anything of Harry, and he's alive, tell + him we'll bring him back home as soon as we get a chance.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think there is any chance?” asked Tom eagerly. “I wouldn't want + anything better than to get Harry away from those Boches—and make + his sister happy.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there's a chance, but it's a slim one, I'm afraid,” remarked Jack. + “We'll talk about it after we get back. Maybe there'll be a message from + the Huns about him before the day is over.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so,” murmured Tom. “If those Huns only act as decently toward us + as we do toward them, we'll have some news soon.” + </p> + <p> + For it is true, in a number of instances that the German aviators do drop + within the allied lines news of any British, French or American birdman + who is captured or killed inside the German lines. + </p> + <p> + “All ready?” asked Tom of his helper. + </p> + <p> + “Switch off, gas on,” was the answer. + </p> + <p> + Tom made sure that the electrical switch was disconnected. If it was left + on, in “contact” as it is called, and the mechanician turned the propeller + blades, there might have been a sudden starting of the engine that would + have instantly kill the man. But with the switch off there could be no + ignition in the cylinders. + </p> + <p> + Slowly the man turned the big blades until each cylinder was sucked full + of the explosive mixture of gasoline and air. + </p> + <p> + “Contact!” he cried, and Tom threw over the switch. + </p> + <p> + Then, stepping once more up to the propeller, the man gave it a pull, and + quickly released it, jumping back out of harm's way. + </p> + <p> + With a throbbing roar the engine awoke to life and the propeller spun + around, a blur of indistinctness. The motor was working sweetly. Toni + throttled down, assured himself that everything was working well, and + then, with a wave of his hand toward Jack, began to taxi across the field, + to head up into the wind. All aeroplanes are started this way—directly + into the wind, to rise against it and not with it. On and on he went and + then he began to climb into the air. With him climbed other birdmen who + were to do patrol and contact work with him, the latter being the term + used when the airship keeps in contact through signaling with infantry or + artillery forces on the ground, directing their efforts against the enemy. + </p> + <p> + Having seen Tom on his way, Jack turned to his own machine. As his chum + had been, Jack was dressed warmly in fur garments, even to his helmet, + which was fur lined. He had on two pairs of gloves and his eyes were + protected with heavy goggles. For it is very cold in the upper regions, + and the swift speed of the machine sends the wind cutting into one's face + so that it is impossible to see from the eyes unless they are protected. + </p> + <p> + Jack's machine was a two-seater, of a heavy and comparatively safe type—that + is it was safe as long as it was not shot down by a Hun. Jack was to + occupy the front seat and act as pilot, while Harris, the photographer he + was to take up, sat behind him, with camera, map, pencil and paper ready + at hand for the making of observations. + </p> + <p> + On either side of the photographer's seat were six loaded drums of + ammunition for the Lewis gun, for use against the ruthless Hun machines. + Jack had a fixed Vicker machine weapon for his use. + </p> + <p> + “Hope I get a chance to use 'em,” said Harris with a grin, as he climbed + into his seat, patted the loaded drums, and nodded to Jack that he was + ready. + </p> + <p> + The same procedure was gone through as in the case of Tom. The man spun + the propeller, and they were ready to set off. Accompanying them were two + other reconnaissance planes, and four experienced fighting pilots, two of + them “aces,” that is men who, alone, had each brought down five or more + Hun planes. The big planes, used for obtaining news, pictures, and maps of + the enemy's territory, are always accompanied by fighting planes, which + look out for the attacking Germans, while the other, and less speedy, + craft carry the men who are to bring back vital information. + </p> + <p> + “Let her go!” exclaimed Harris to Jack, and the latter nodded to the + mechanician, who, after the order of “contact,” spun the blades again and + they were really off, together with the others. + </p> + <p> + Up and up went Jack, sending his machine aloft in big circles as the + others were doing. Before him on a support was clamped a map, similar to + the one supported in front of Harris, and by consulting this Jack knew, + from the instructions he had received before going up, just what part of + the enemy's territory he was to cover. He was under the direction of the + photographer and map-maker, for the two duties were combined in this + instance. + </p> + <p> + Up and up they went. There was no talking, for though this is possible in + an aeroplane when the engine is shut off, such was not now the case. But + Jack knew his business. + </p> + <p> + His indicator soon showed them to be up about fourteen thousand feet, and + below them an artillery duel was in progress. It was a wonderful, but + terrible sight. Immediately under them, and rather too near for comfort, + shrapnel was bursting all around. The “Archies,” or anti-aircraft guns of + the Germans, were trying to reach the French planes, and, in addition to + the bullets, “woolly bears” and “flaming onions” were sent up toward them. + These are two types of bursting shells, the first so named because when it + explodes it does so with a cloud of black smoke and a flaming center. I + have never been able to learn how the “onions” got their name, unless it + is from the stench let loose by the exploding gases. + </p> + <p> + Though they were fired at viciously, neither Jack nor his companion was + hit, and they continued on their way, keeping at a good height, as did + their associates, until they were well over the front German lines. + </p> + <p> + Jack noticed that some of the other planes were dropping lower, to give + their observers a chance to do their work, and, in response to a shove in + his back from the powerful field glasses carried by Harris, Jack sent his + machine down to about the nine-thousand-foot level. By a glance at the map + he could see that they were now over the territory concerning which a + report was wanted. + </p> + <p> + They were now under a heavy fire from the German anti-aircraft guns, but + Jack was too old a hand to let this needlessly worry him. He sent his + machine slipping from side to side, holding it on a level keel now and + then, to enable Harris to get the photographs he wanted. In addition, the + observer was also making a hasty, rough, but serviceable map of what he + saw. + </p> + <p> + Jack glanced down, and noted a German supply train puffing its way along + toward some depot, and he headed toward this to give Harris a chance to + note whether there were any supplies of ammunition, or anything else, that + might profitably be bombed later. He also saw several columns of German + infantry on the march, but as they were not out to make an attack now, + they had to watch the Huns moving up to the front line trenches, there + later, doubtless, to give battle. + </p> + <p> + Back and forth over the German lines flew Jack, Harris meanwhile doing + important observation work. As Jack went lower he came under a fiercer + fire of the batteries, until, it became so hot, from the shrapnel bursts, + that he fain would have turned and made for home. But orders were orders, + and Harris had not yet indicated that he had enough. + </p> + <p> + Twisting and turning, to make as poor a mark as possible for the enemy + guns, Jack sent his machine here and there. The other pilots were doing + the same. Machine guns were now opening up on them, and once the burst of + fire came so close that Jack began to “zoom.” That is he sent his craft up + and down sharply, like the curves and bumps in a roller-coaster railway + track. + </p> + <p> + By this time the leading plane gave the signal for the return, and, + thankful enough that they had not been hit, Jack swung about. But the + danger was not over. They had yet to pass across the enemy's front line + trenches, and when Harris signaled Jack to go down low in crossing the lad + wondered what the order was for. It was merely that the observer wanted to + see what was going on there so he could report. + </p> + <p> + They went down to within a mile of the earth, and several times the plane + was struck by pieces of shrapnel or bullets from machine guns. Twice + flying bits of metal came uncomfortably close to Jack, but he was kept too + busy with the management of his machine to more than notice them. Harris + was working hard at the camera and the maps. + </p> + <p> + Then, suddenly, came the danger signal from the leading plane, and only + just in time. Out from the German hangars came several battle machines. + Harris dropped his pencil and got ready the automatic gun, but it was not + needed, for, after approaching as though about to attack, the Huns + suddenly veered off. Later the reason for this became known. A squadron of + French planes had arisen as swiftly to give battle, and however brave the + Hun may be when he outnumbers the enemy, he had yet to be known to take on + a combat against odds. + </p> + <p> + So Jack and his observer safely reached the aerodrome again, bringing back + much valuable information. + </p> + <p> + “Is Tom here yet?” was Jack's first inquiry after he had divested himself + of his togs and men had rushed to the developing room the camera with its + precious plates. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet,” some of his chums told him. “They're having a fight upstairs I + guess.” + </p> + <p> + Jack nodded and looked anxiously in the direction in which Tom was last + seen. + </p> + <p> + It was an hour before the scouting airplanes came back, and one was so + badly shot up and its pilot so wounded that it only just managed to get + over the French lines before almost crashing to earth. + </p> + <p> + “Are you all right, Tom?” cried Jack, as he rushed up to his chum, when he + saw the latter getting out of his craft, rather stiff from the cold. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. They went at me hard—two of 'em but I think I accounted for + one, unless he went into a spinning nose dive just to fool me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, they'll do that if they get the chance.” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” assented Tom. “Hello!” he exclaimed as he noticed a splintered + strut near his head. “That came rather close.” + </p> + <p> + And indeed it had. For a bullet, or a piece of shrapnel, has plowed a + furrow in the bit of supporting wood, not two inches away from Tom's head, + though in the excitement of the fight he had not noticed it. + </p> + <p> + There had been a fight in the upper air and one of the French machines had + not come home. + </p> + <p> + “Another man to await news of,” said the flight lieutenant sadly, when the + report reached him. “That's two in two days.” + </p> + <p> + “No news of Leroy yet?” asked Tom and Jack, as they went out of + headquarters after reporting. + </p> + <p> + “None, I am sorry to say. It is barely possible that he landed in some + lonely spot and is still hiding out—if he is not killed. But I + understand you two young men had something to request of me. I can give + you some attention now,” went on the commander of their squadron. + </p> + <p> + “We want to be transferred!” exclaimed Tom. “Now, that Pershing's men are + here—” + </p> + <p> + “I understand,” was the answer. “You want to fight with your countrymen. + Well, I would do the same. I will see if I can get you transferred, though + I shall much regret losing you.” + </p> + <p> + He was as good as his word, and a week later, following some strenuous + fights in the air, Tom and Jack received notice that they could report to + the first United States air squadron, which was then being formed on that + part of the front where the first of Pershing's men were brigaded with, + the French and British armies. + </p> + <p> + Du Boise, who had brought word back of the fate that had befallen Harry + Leroy, sent for Tom and Jack when it became known that they were to leave. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I ever see you again?” he asked wistfully. + </p> + <p> + “To be sure,” was Tom's hearty answer. “We aren't going far away, and + we'll fly over to see you the first chance we get. Besides, we're going to + depend on you to give us some information regarding Leroy. If the Huns + drop any message at all they'll do it at this aerodrome.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I believe you're right,” assented Du Boise, trying not to show the + pain that racked him. “But it's so long, now, I begin to believe he must + be dead, and either the Huns don't know it or they aren't going to bother + to send us word. But I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Is his sister here yet?” asked Jack, for Tom and he had been too busy the + last two days, getting ready to shift their quarters, to call on Nellie + Leroy. + </p> + <p> + “She has gone back to Paris,” answered Du Boise. “There was no place for + her here. I can give you her address. I promised to let her know in case I + got word about her brother.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would give me the address!” exclaimed Tom eagerly, and his + chum smiled at his show of interest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE RESOLVE + </h2> + <p> + “Well, to-morrow, if all goes well, we'll be with Pershing's boys,” + remarked Jack, as he and Tom were sitting in their quarters after + breakfast, the last day but one they were to spend in the Lafayette + Escadrille with which they had so long been associated. + </p> + <p> + “That's so. We'll soon be on the firing line with Uncle Sam,” agreed Tom. + “Of course we've been with him, in a way, ever since we've been fighting, + for it's all in the same cause. But there'll be a little more satisfaction + in being 'on our own,' as the English say.” + </p> + <p> + “You're right. What's on for to-day?” asked Jack. + </p> + <p> + “Haven't the least idea. But here comes a messenger now.” + </p> + <p> + As Tom spoke he glanced from a window and saw an orderly coming toward + their quarters. The man seemed in a hurry. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +“Something's up!” decided Jack. “Maybe they've got word from poor +Harry.” + + “I'm beginning to give him up,” said Tom. “If they were going to +let us have any news of him they'd have done it long ago—the beasts!” + and he fairly snarled out the words. +</pre> + <p> + “Still I'm not giving up,” returned Jack. “I can't explain why, but I have + a feeling that, some day, we'll see Harry Leroy again.” + </p> + <p> + Tom shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could be as hopeful as you,” he said. “Maybe we'll see him again—or + his grave. But I want to say, right now, that if ever I have a chance at + the Hun who shot him down, that Hun Will get no mercy from me!” + </p> + <p> + “Same here!” echoed Jack. “But here comes the orderly.” + </p> + <p> + The man entered and handed Jack a slip of paper. It was from the commander + of their squadron, and said, in effect, that though Tom and Jack were no + longer under his orders, having been duly transferred to another sector, + yet he would be obliged if they would call on him, at his quarters. + </p> + <p> + “Maybe he has news!” exclaimed Jack, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + Again Tom shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “He'd have said so if that was the case,” he remarked as he and his chum + prepared to report at headquarters, telling the messenger they would soon + follow him. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, young gentlemen, I am glad to see, you!” exclaimed the commander, and + it was as friends that he greeted Tom and Jack and not as military + subordinates. “Do you want to do me one last favor?” + </p> + <p> + “A thousand if we can!” exclaimed Jack, for he and Tom had caught + something of the French enthusiasm of manner, from having associated with + the brave airmen so long. + </p> + <p> + “Good! Then I shall feel free to ask. Know then, that I am a little + short-handed in experienced airmen. The Huns have taken heavy toll of us + these last few days,” he went on sorrowfully, and Torn and Jack knew this + to be so, for two aces, as well as some pilots of lesser magnitude, had + been shot down. But ample revenge had been taken. + </p> + <p> + “By all rights you are entitled to a holiday before you join your new + command, under the great Pershing,” went on the flight commander. + “However, as I need the services of two brave men to do patrol duty, I + appeal to you. There is a machine gun nest, somewhere in the Boche lines, + that has been doing terrible execution. If you could find the battery, and + signal its location, we might destroy it with our artillery, and so save + many brave lives for France,” he went on. “I do not like to ask you—” + </p> + <p> + “Tell 'em to get out the machines!” interrupted Jack. “We were just + wishing we could do something to make up for the loss of Harry Leroy, and + this may give it to us. You haven't heard anything of him, have you?” he + asked. + </p> + <p> + The commander shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “I fear we shall never hear from him,” he said. “Though only yesterday we + received back some of the effects of one of our men who was shot down + behind their lines. I can not understand in Leroy's case.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we'll make 'em pay a price all right!” declared Tom. “And now what + about this machine gun nest?” + </p> + <p> + The commander gave them such information as he had. It was not unusual, + such work as Tom and Jack were about to undertake. As the officer had + said, they were practically exempt now that they were about to be + transferred. But they had volunteered, as he probably knew they would. + </p> + <p> + Two speedy Spad machines were run out for the use of Tom and Jack, each + one to have his own, for the work they were to do was dangerous and they + would have need of speed. + </p> + <p> + They looked over the machine guns to see that they were in shape for quick + work, and as the one on the machine Tom selected had congealed oil on the + mechanism, having lately returned from a high flight, another weapon was + quickly attached. Nothing receives more care and attention at an aerodrome + than the motor of the plane and the mechanism of the machine gun. The + latter are constructed so as to be easily and quickly mounted and + dismounted, and at the close of each day's flight the guns are carefully + inspected and cleaned ready for the morrow. + </p> + <p> + “Locate the machine gun battery if you can,” was the parting request to + Tom and Jack as they prepared to ascend. “Send back word of the location + as nearly as you can to our batteries, and the men there will see to the + rest.” + </p> + <p> + “We will!” cried the Americans. + </p> + <p> + Locating a machine gun nest is not as easy as picking out a hostile + battery of heavier guns, for the former, being smaller, are more easily + concealed. + </p> + <p> + But Tom and Jack would, of course, do their best to help out their + friends, the French. Over toward the German lines they flew, and began to + scan with eager eyes the ground below them. They could not fly at a very + great height, as they needed to be low down in order to see, and in this + position they were a mark for the anti-aircraft guns of the Huns. + </p> + <p> + They had no sooner got over the enemy trenches, and were peering about for + the possible location of the machine gun emplacement, when they were + greeted with bursts of fire. But by skillfully dodging they escaped being + hit themselves, though their machines were struck. The two chums were + separated by about a mile, for they wanted to cover as much ground as + possible. + </p> + <p> + At last, to his great delight, Tom saw a burst of smoke from a building + that had been so demolished by shell fire that it seemed nothing could now + inhabit it. But the truth was soon apparent. The machine gun nest was in + the cellar, and from there, well hidden, had been doing terrible execution + on the allied forces. Pausing only to make sure of his surmise, Tom began + to tap out on his wireless key the location of the hidden machine gun + nest. + </p> + <p> + Most of the aeroplanes carry a wireless outfit. An aerial trails after + them, and the electric impulses, dripping off this, so to speak, reach the + battery headquarters. Owing to the noise caused by the motor of the + airship, no message can be sent to the airman in return, and he has to + depend on signs made on the ground, arrows or circles in white by day and + lighted signals at night, to make sure that his messages are being + received and understood. + </p> + <p> + The Allies, of course, possess maps of every sector of the enemy's front, + so that by reference to these maps the aircraft observer can send back + word as to almost the precise location of the battery which it is desired + to destroy. + </p> + <p> + Quickly tapping out word where the battery was located, Tom awaited + developments, circling around the spot in his machine. He was fired at + from guns on the ground below, but, to his delight, no hostile planes rose + to give him combat. A glance across the expanse, however, showed that Jack + was engaging two. + </p> + <p> + “He's keeping them from me!” thought Tom, and his heart was heavy, for he + realized that Jack might be killed. However, it was the fortune of war. As + long as the Hun planes were fighting Jack they would not molest him, and + he might have time to send word to the French battery that would result in + the destruction of the Hun machine nest. + </p> + <p> + There came a burst of fire from the Allied lines he had left, and Tom saw + a shell land to the left and far beyond the Hun battery hidden in the old + ruins. He at once sent back a correcting signal. + </p> + <p> + The more a gun is elevated up to a certain point, the farther it shoots. + Forty-three degrees is about the maximum elevation. Again, if a gun is + elevated too high it shoots over instead of directly at the target aimed + at. It is then necessary to lower the elevation. Tom has seen that the + guns of the French battery, which were seeking to destroy the machine gun + nest were shooting beyond the mark. Accordingly they were told to depress + their muzzles. + </p> + <p> + This was done, but still the shells fell to the left, and an additional + correction was necessary. It is comparatively easy to make corrections in + elevation or depression that will rectify errors in shooting short of or + beyond a mark. It is not so easy to make the same corrections in what, for + the sake of simplicity, may be called right or left errors, that is + horizontal firing. To make these corrections it becomes needful to + inscribe imaginary circles about the target, in this case the machine gun + nest. + </p> + <p> + These circles are named from the letters of the alphabet. For instance, a + circle drawn three hundred yards around a Hun battery as a center might be + designated A. The next circle, two hundred yards less in size, would be B + and so on, down to perhaps five yards, and that is getting very close. + </p> + <p> + The circles are further divided, as a piece of pie is cut, into twelve + sectors, and numbered from 1 to 12. The last sector is due north, while 6 + would be due south, 3 east, and 9 west, with the other figures for + northeast, southwest, and so on. + </p> + <p> + If a shot falls in the fifty-yard circle, indicated by the letter D, but + to the southwest of the mark, it is necessary to indicate that by sending + the message “D-7,” which would mean that, speaking according to the points + of the compass, the missile had fallen within fifty yards of the mark, but + to the south-southwest of it, and correction must be made accordingly. + </p> + <p> + Tom watched the falling shells. They came nearer and nearer to the hidden + battery and at last he saw one fall plump where it was needed. There was a + great puff of smoke, and when it had blown away there was only a hole in + the ground where the ruins had been hiding the machine guns. + </p> + <p> + Tom's work was done, and he flew off to the aid of Jack, who had overcome + one Hun, sending his plane crashing to earth. But the other, an expert + fighter, was pressing him hard until Ton opened up on him with his machine + gun. Then the German, having no stomach for odds, turned tail and flew + toward his own lines. + </p> + <p> + “Good for you, Tom!” yelled Jack, though he knew his chum could not hear + him because of the noise of the motor. + </p> + <p> + Together the two lads, who had engaged in their last battle strictly with + the French, made for their aerodrome, reaching it safely, though, as it + was learned when Jack dismounted, he had received a slight bullet wound in + one side from a missile sent by one of the attacking planes. But the hurt + was only a flesh wound; though, had it gone an inch to one side, it would + have ended Jack's fighting days. + </p> + <p> + Hearty and enthusiastic were the congratulations that greeted the exploit + of Torn in finding the German machine gun nest that had been such a + menace, nor were the thanks to Jack any less warm, for without his help + Tom could never have maintained his position, and sent back corrections to + the battery which brought about the desired result. + </p> + <p> + “It is a glorious end to your stay with us,” said the commander, with + shining eyes, as he congratulated them. + </p> + <p> + There was a little impromptu banquet in the quarters that night, and Tom + and Jack were bidden God-speed to their new quarters. + </p> + <p> + “There's only one thing I want to say!” said Jack quietly, as he rose in + response to a demand that he talk. + </p> + <p> + “Let us hear it, my slice of bacon!” called a jolly ace. + </p> + <p> + “It's this,” went on Jack. “That I hereby resolve that if we—I mean + Tom and I—can't rescue our comrade, Harry Leroy, from the Huns—provided + he's alive—that we'll take a toll of five Germans for him—or + as many, up to that number, as we can shoot down before they get us. Five + German fliers is the price of Harry Leroy, who was worth a hundred of + them!” + </p> + <p> + “Bravo! Hurrah! So he was! Death to the Huns!” were the cries. + </p> + <p> + Torn Raymond sprang to his feet + </p> + <p> + “What Jack says I say!” he cried. “But I double the toll. If Harry Leroy + is dead he leaves a sister. You all saw her here! Well, I'll get five Huns + for her, and that makes ten between Jack and me!” + </p> + <p> + “Success to you!” cried several. + </p> + <p> + With this resolve to spur them on, Tom and Jack bade their bravo comrades + farewell and started for Paris, whence they were to journey to the + headquarters of General Pershing and his men. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. IN PARIS + </h2> + <p> + Attired in their natty uniforms of the La Fayette Escadrille, which they + had not discarded, with the double wings showing that they were fully + qualified pilots and aviators, Jack Parmly and Tom Raymond attracted no + little attention as, several hours after leaving their places on the + battle front, they arrived in Paris. They were to have a few days rest + before joining the newly formed American aviation section which, as yet, + was hardly ready for active work. + </p> + <p> + “Well, they're here!” suddenly cried Tom, as he and Jack made their way + out of the station to seek a modest hotel where they might stay until time + for them to report. + </p> + <p> + “Who? Where? I don't see 'em!” exclaimed Jack, as he crowded to the side + of his chum, murmurs from a group of French persons testifying to the + esteem in which the American lads were held. + </p> + <p> + “There!” went on Tom, pointing. “See some of our doughboys! And maybe the + crowds aren't glad to have 'em here! It's great, I tell you, great!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he pointed to several khaki-clad infantrymen, some of the + first of the ten thousand Americans lads that were sent over to “take the + germ out of Germany.” The Americans were rather at a loss, but they seemed + masters of themselves, and laughed and talked with glee as they gazed on + the unfamiliar scenes. They, too, were enjoying a holiday before being + sent on to be billeted with the French or British troops. + </p> + <p> + “Come on, let's talk to 'em!” cried Tom, enthusiastically. “It's as good + as a letter from home to see 'em!” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you meant you saw—er—Bessie and her mother,” + returned Jack, and there was a little disappointment in his voice. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we'll see them soon enough, if they're still in Paris,” said Tom, + gazing curiously at his chum. “But they don't know we are coming here.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they do,” said Jack, quietly. + </p> + <p> + “They do? Then you must have written.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course. Don't you want to see them before we get shipped off to a new + sector?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes. Just now, though, I'm anxious to hear some good, old United + States talk. Come on, let's speak to 'em. There's one bunch that seems to + be in trouble.” + </p> + <p> + But the trouble was only because some of Pershing's boys—as they + were generally called wanted to make some purchases at a candy shop and + did not know enough of the language to make their meaning clear. It was a + good-natured misunderstanding, and both the French shop-keeper and his + helper and the doughboys were laughing over it. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, boys! Glad to see you! Can we help you out?” asked Tom, as he and + Jack joined the group. + </p> + <p> + The infantrymen whirled about. + </p> + <p> + “Well, for the love of the Mason an' Dixon line! is there somebody heah + who can speak our talk?” cried one lad, his accent unmistakably marking + him as Southern. + </p> + <p> + “Guess we can help you out,” said Jack. “We're from God's country, too,” + and in an instant the were surrounded and being shaken hands with on all + sides, while a perfect barrage of questions was fired at them. + </p> + <p> + Then, when the little misunderstanding at the candy shop had been + straightened out, Tom and Jack told something of who they were, mentioning + the fact that they were soon to fight directly under the stars and + stripes, information which drew whoops of delight from the enthusiastic + infantrymen. + </p> + <p> + “But say, friend,” called out one of the new American soldiers, “can you + sling enough of this lingo to lead us to a place where we can get ham and + eggs? I mean a real eating place, not just a coffee stand. I've been + opening my mouth, champing my jaws and rubbing my stomach all day, trying + to tell these folks that I'm hungry and want a square meal, and half the + time they think I need a doctor. Lead me to a hash foundry.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, come on with us!” laughed Tom. “We're going to eat, too. I + guess we can fix you up.” + </p> + <p> + The two aviators had been in Paris before and they knew their way about, + as well as being able to speak the language fairly well. Soon, with their + new friends from overseas, they were seated in a quiet restaurant, where + substantial food could be had in spite of war prices. And then it was give + and take, question and answer, until a group of Parisians that had + gathered about turned away shaking their heads at their inability to + understand the strange talk. But they were well aware of the spirit of it + all, and more than one silently blessed the Americans as among the saviors + of France. + </p> + <p> + The wonderful city seemed filled with soldiers of all the Allied nations, + and most conspicuous, because of recent events, were the khaki-clad boys + who were soon to fight under Pershing. Having seen that the little + contingent they had taken under their protection got what they wanted, Tom + and Jack, bidding them farewell, but promising to see them again soon, + went to their hotel. + </p> + <p> + And, their baggage arriving, Jack proceeded to get ready for a bath and a + general furbishing. He seemed very particular. + </p> + <p> + “Going out?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Why—er—yes. Thought I'd go to call on Bessie Gleason. This is + her night off duty—hers and her mother's.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “Well—er—she said so. Want to come?” + </p> + <p> + “Nixy. Two's company and you know what three is.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, come on! Mrs. Gleason will be glad to see you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I suppose I might,” assented Tom, who, truth to tell, did not + relish spending the evening alone. + </p> + <p> + Bessie and her mother had, of late, been assigned as Red Cross workers to + a hospital in the environs of Paris, and ant times they could come into + the city for a rest. They maintained a modest apartment not far from the + hotel where Tom and Jack had put up, and soon the two lads found + themselves at the place where their friends lived. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I'm so glad you both came!” exclaimed Bessie as she greeted them. “We + have company and—” + </p> + <p> + “Company!” exclaimed Jack, drawing back. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the dearest, most delightful girl you ever—” + </p> + <p> + “Girl!” exclaimed Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. But come on in and meet her. I'm sure you'll both fall in love with + her.” + </p> + <p> + Jack was on the point of saying something, but thought better of it, and a + moment later, to the great surprise of himself and Torn, they were facing + Nellie Leroy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE AMERICAN FRONT + </h2> + <p> + Tom and Jack bowed. In fact, so great was their surprise at first that + this was all they could do. Then they stared first at Bessie and then at + the other girl—the sister of Harry, their chum, who was somewhere, + dead or alive, behind the German lines. + </p> + <p> + “Well, aren't you glad to see her?” demanded Bessie. “I thought I'd + surprise you.” + </p> + <p> + “You have,” said Jack. “Very much!” + </p> + <p> + “Glad to see her—why—of course. But—but—how—” + </p> + <p> + Tom found himself stuttering and stammering, so he stopped, and stared so + hard at Nellie Leroy that she smiled, though rather sadly, for it was + plain to be seen her grief over the possible death of her brother weighed + down on her. And then she went on: + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm real—I'm not a dream, Mr. Raymond.” + </p> + <p> + “So I see—I mean I'm glad to see it—I mean—oh, I don't + know what I do mean!” he finished desperately. “Did you know she was going + to be here? Was that the reason you asked me to come?” he inquired of + Jack. + </p> + <p> + “Hadn't the least notion in the world,” answered Jack. “I'm as much + surprised as you are.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we'll take pity on you and tell you all about it,” said Bessie. + “Mother, here are the boys,” she called; and Mrs. Gleason, who had + suffered so much since having been saved from the Lusitania and afterward + rescued by air craft from the lonely castle, came out of her room to greet + the boys. + </p> + <p> + They were as glad to see her as she was to meet them again, and for a time + there was an interchange of talk. Then Mrs. Gleason withdrew to leave the + young people to themselves. + </p> + <p> + “Well, go on, tell us all about it!” begged Tom, who could not take his + eyes off Nellie Leroy. “How did she get here?” and he indicated Harry's + sister. + </p> + <p> + “He talks of me as though I were some specimen!” laughed the girl. “But go + on—tell him, Bessie.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it isn't much of a story,” said Bessie Gleason. “Nellie started to + do Red Cross work, as mother and I are doing, and she was assigned to the + hospital where we were.” + </p> + <p> + “This was after I heard the terrible news about poor Harry at your + escadrille,” Nellie broke in, to say to Tom and Jack. “I—I suppose + you haven't had any—word?” she faltered. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet,” Jack answered. “But we may get it any day now—or they + may, back there,” and he nodded to indicate the air headquarters he and + Tom had left. “You know we're going to be under Pershing soon,” he added. + </p> + <p> + “So you wrote me,” said Bessie. “I'm glad, though it's all in the same + good cause. Well, as I was saying, Nellie came to our hospital-I call it + ours though I have such a small part in it,” she interjected. “She was + introduced to us as an American, and of course we made friends at once.” + </p> + <p> + “No one could help making friends with Bessie and her mother!” exclaimed + Nellie. + </p> + <p> + “Don't flatter us too much,” warned Bessie. “Now please don't interrupt + any more. As I say, Nellie came to us to do her share in helping care for + the wounded, and, as mother and I found she had settled on no regular + place in Paris, we asked her to share our rooms. Then we got to talking, + and of course I found she had met you two boys in her search for her + brother. After that we were better friends than ever.” + </p> + <p> + “Glad to know it,” said Tom. “There's nothing like having friends. I + hadn't any notion that I'd meet any when I started out with him tonight,” + and he motioned to Jack. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I like that!” cried Bessie in feigned indignation. “I like to know + how you class my mother and me?” and she looked at Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,—er—well, of course—you and your mother, and Jack. + But he and you—” + </p> + <p> + “Better swim out before you get into deep water,” advised Jack quickly, + and he nudged Tom with his foot. + </p> + <p> + Then the boys had to tell about their final experiences before leaving the + Lafayette Escadrille with which many trying, as well as many happy, hours + were associated, and the girls told of their adventures, which were not + altogether tame. + </p> + <p> + Since Mrs. Gleason had been freed from the plotting of the spy, Potzfeldt, + she had lived a happy life—that is as happy as one could amid the + scenes of war and its attendant horrors. She and Bessie were throwing + themselves heart and soul into the immortal work of the Red Cross, and now + Nellie bad joined them. + </p> + <p> + “It's the only way I can stop thinking about poor Harry,” she said with a + sigh. “Oh, if I could only hear some good news about him, that I might + send it to the folks at home. Do you think it will ever come—the + good news, I mean?” she asked wistfully of Tom. + </p> + <p> + “All we can do is to hope,” he said. He knew better than to buoy up false + hopes, for he had seen too much of the terrible side of war. In his heart + he knew that there was but little chance for Harry Leroy, after the + latter's aeroplane had been shot down behind the German lines. Yet there + was that one, slender hope to which all of us cling when it seems that + everything else is lost. + </p> + <p> + “He may be a prisoner, and, in that case, there is a chance,” said Tom, + while Jack and Bessie were conversing on the other side of the room. + </p> + <p> + “You mean a chance to escape?” + </p> + <p> + “Hardly that, though it has been done. A few aviators have got away from + German prison camps. But it's only one chance in many thousand. No, what I + meant was that—well, it's too small and slim a chance to talk about, + I'm afraid.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no!” she hastened to assure him. “Do tell me! No chance is too small. + What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sometimes rescues have been made,” went on Tom. “They are even more + rare than escapes, but they have been done. I was thinking that perhaps + after Jack and I get in with Pershing's boys we might be in some big raid + on the Hun lines, and then, if we could get any information as to your + brother's whereabouts, we might plan to rescue him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, do you think you could?” + </p> + <p> + “I certainly can and will try!” exclaimed Tom, earnestly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, will you? Oh, I can't thank you enough!” and she clasped his hand in + both hers and Tom blushed deeply. + </p> + <p> + “Please don't count too much on it,” Tom warned Nellie. “It's a desperate + chance at best, but it's the only one I can see that we can take. First of + all, though, we've got to get some word as to where Harry is.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you do that?” + </p> + <p> + “Some of the Hun airmen are almost human, that is compared to the other + Boche fighters. They may drop a cap of Harry's or a glove, or something,” + and Tom told of the practice in such cases. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, if they only will!” sighed Nellie. “But it is almost too much to + hope.” + </p> + <p> + And so they talked until late in the evening, when the time came for + Nellie, Bessie and her mother to report back for their Red Cross work. The + boys returned to their hotel, promising to write often and to see their + friends at the next opportunity. + </p> + <p> + “I won't forget!” said Tom, on parting from Nellie. + </p> + <p> + “Forget what?” asked Jack, as they were going down the street together. + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to do my best to rescue her brother,” said Tom, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “Good! I'm with you!” declared Jack. + </p> + <p> + The stay of the two boys in Paris was all too short, but they were anxious + to get back to their work. They wanted to be fighting under their own + flag. Not that they had not been doing all they could for liberty, but it + was different, being with their own countrymen. And so, when their leaves + of absence were up, they took the train that was to drop them at the place + assigned, where the newly arrived Americans were beginning their training. + </p> + <p> + “The American front!” cried Tom, as he and Jack reached the headquarters + of General Pershing and his associate officers. “The American front at + last!” + </p> + <p> + “And it's the happiest day of my life that I can fight on it!” cried Jack. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. A BATTLE IN THE AIR + </h2> + <p> + Strictly speaking there was at that time no American front. That did not + come until later, for the American soldiers, as was proper, were brigaded + with the French and British, to enable our troops, who were unused to + European war conditions, to become acquainted with the needful measures to + meet and overcome the brutality of the Huns. + </p> + <p> + But even with this brigading of the United States' troops with the + seasoned veterans, which, in plain language, meant a mingling of the two + forces, there was much that was strictly American among the new arrivals. + </p> + <p> + Not only were the khaki-clad soldiers real Americans to the backbone, but + their equipment and the supplies that had come over with them in the + transports were such as might be seen at any army camp in this country, as + distinguished from a French or a British camp. + </p> + <p> + “Well, the boys are here all right,” remarked Jack, as he and Tom made + their way toward the headquarters at which they were to report. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and it makes me feel good to see them!” said Tom. “This is the + beginning of the end of Kaiserism, if I'm any judge.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it isn't going to be so easy as all that,” returned Jack. “We'll see + some hard fighting. Germany isn't licked yet by any means; but those, are + the boys that can bring the thing to a finish,” and he pointed to a + company of the lean, stem, brown figures that were swinging along with + characteristic stride. + </p> + <p> + The place at which Tom and Jack had been ordered to report was an interior + city of France, not far from the port at which the first transport from + America had arrived. A first glance at the scenes on every hand would have + given a person not familiar with war a belief that hopeless confusion + existed. Wagons, carts, mule teams and motor trucks-“lorries,” the English + call them—were dashing to and fro. Men were marching, + countermarching, unloading some vehicles, loading others. Soldiers were + being marched into the interior to be billeted, others were being directed + to their respective French or English units. Officers were shouting + commands, and privates were carrying them out to the best of their + ability. + </p> + <p> + But though it all seemed chaos, out of it order was coming. There was a + system, though a civilian would not have understood it. + </p> + <p> + “Well, let's find out where we're at,” suggested Torn, to his chum. + </p> + <p> + “Right O, my pickled grapefruit!” agreed Jack with a laugh. “Let's get + into the game.” + </p> + <p> + They were about to ask their direction from a non-commissioned officer who + was directing a squad of men in the unloading of a truck which seemed + filled with canned goods, when some one said: + </p> + <p> + “There goes Black Jack now!” + </p> + <p> + The two air service boys looked, and saw, passing along not far away, a + tall man, faultlessly attired, who looked “every inch a soldier,” and + whose square jaw was indicative of his fighting qualities, if the rest of + his face had not been. + </p> + <p> + “Is that General Pershing?” asked Tom, in a low voice of the + non-commissioned officer. + </p> + <p> + “That's who he is, buddy,” was the smiling answer. “The best man in the + world for the job, too. Come on there now, you with the red hair. This + isn't a croquet game. Lay into those cases, and get 'em off some time + before New Year's. We want to have our Christmas dinner in Berlin, + remember!” + </p> + <p> + “So that's Pershing,” commented Jack, as he looked at the American + commander, who, with his staff officers, was on a trip of inspection. + “Well, he suits me all right!” + </p> + <p> + “The next thing for us to do is to find out if we suit him,” remarked Tom. + “Wonder if he knows we're here?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't even believe he knows we're alive!” exclaimed Jack, for the + moment taking Tom's joke quite seriously. + </p> + <p> + As General Pershing passed on, receiving and returning many salutes, Tom + and Jack made their inquiries, learned where they were to report, and went + on their way, longing for the time when they could get into action with + the American troops. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, so you're the two aviators from the Lafayette Escadrille,” commented + the commanding officer, or the C.O., of the newly formed American + squadron, as Tom and Jack, drawing themselves up as straight as they + could, saluted when he looked over their papers and their log books. These + last are the personal records of aviators in which they note the details + of each flight made. They are official documents, but when a birdman is + honorably discharged he may take his log book with him. + </p> + <p> + “We were told to report to you, sir,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. And I'm glad to see you. We're going to establish a purely American + air force, but as yet it is in its infancy. I need some experienced + fliers, and I'm glad you're going to be with us. Of course I have a number + who have made good records over there,” and he nodded to indicate the + United States, “But they haven't been under fire yet, and I understand you + have.” + </p> + <p> + “Some,” admitted Jack, modestly enough. + </p> + <p> + “Good! Well, I'm to have some more of our own boys, who are to be + transferred from the French forces, and some from the Royal Flying Corps, + so with that as a start I guess we can build up an air service that will + make Fritz step lively. But we've got to go slow. One thing I'm sorry for + is that we haven't, as yet, any American planes. We'll have to depend on + the French and English for them, as we have to, at first, for our + artillery and shells.” + </p> + <p> + “We can fly French or British planes,” remarked Tom. + </p> + <p> + And, as my old readers know, the air service boys had had experience with + a number of different models. + </p> + <p> + “We can fly a Gotha if we have to,” said Jack. “One came down back of our + lines last month, and we patched it up and flew it for practice.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you can get some more of that practice,” said the commanding + officer with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “But, now that you're here, I'll swear you in and see what the orders are + regarding you. I'm afraid there won't be much fighting for you at first—that + is strictly as Americans. I understand our air front, if I may use that + term, will have to grow out of a nucleus of French and English fighters.” + </p> + <p> + “That's all right, as long as we get the right start,” commented Tom. + </p> + <p> + It was necessary to swear the boys into the service of the United States, + even though they were natives of it; since, on entering the Lafayette + Escadrille, they had been obliged to swear allegiance to France. But this + was a matter of routine where the Allies were concerned, and soon Tom and + Jack were back again where they longed to be—enrolled among the + distinctive fighters of their own country. + </p> + <p> + They were assigned to barracks, and found themselves among some other + airmen, many of whom were student fliers from the various aviation camps + of the United States. Few of these youths had had much practice, though + some had been to the Canadian schools. And none of them had, as yet, + fought an enemy in the air. + </p> + <p> + To aid and instruct them, however, were such fighters as Tom and Jack, and + some even more experienced from the French, Italian and British camps, who + had been detailed to help out the United States in the emergency. + </p> + <p> + The next few weeks was an instruction and reconstruction period, with Tom + and Jack often filling the roles of teachers. They found their pupils apt, + eager and willing, however, and among them they discovered some excellent + material. As the commanding officer of the new American air forces had + said, the planes used were all of English or French make. It was too early + in the war for America to have sent any over equipped with the Liberty + motor, though production was under way. + </p> + <p> + After this period had passed, Tom and Jack, with a squadron of other + birdmen were sent to a certain section of the front held largely by + American troops, supported by veteran French and British regiments. + </p> + <p> + It was the first wholly American aircraft camp established since the + beginning of the World War, and it was not even yet as wholly American as + it was destined to be later, for the aviators were, as regards veterans, + largely French and English. Torn and Jack were, in point of service, the + ranking American fliers for a time. + </p> + <p> + There had been several sharp engagements across No Man's Land between the + mingled French, British and French forces and the Huns, and honors were on + the side of the former. There had been one or two combats in the air, in + which Tom and Jack had taken part, when one day word came from an + observation balloon on the American side that a flock of German aircraft + was on the way from a camp located a few miles within the Boche lines. + </p> + <p> + There was a harried consultation of the officers, and then orders were + given for a half score of the Allied machines to get ready. Two veteran + French aces were to be in command, with Tom and Jack as helpers, and some + of the American aviators were to go into the battle of the air for the + first time. + </p> + <p> + “The Huns are evidently going to try to bomb some of our ammunition dumps + behind our lines,”' said one officer, speaking to Tom. “It's up to you + boys to drive 'em back.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll try, sir,” was the answer. “We owe the Huns something we haven't + been able to pay off as yet.” + </p> + <p> + Tom referred to the loss of Harry Leroy. So far no word had been received + from him, either directly or through the German aviators, as to whether he + was dead or a prisoner. Letters had passed between Bessie and Nellie and + Jack and Tom, and the sister of the missing youth begged for news. + </p> + <p> + But there was none to give her. + </p> + <p> + “Unless we get some to-day,” observed Tom as he and his chum hurried + toward the hangars where their machines were being made ready for them. + </p> + <p> + “Get news to-day? What makes you think we shall?” asked Jack. + </p> + <p> + “Well, we might bring down a Fritzie or two who'd know something about + poor Harry,” was the answer. “You never can tell.” + </p> + <p> + “No, that's so,” agreed Jack. “Well, here's hoping we'll have luck.” + </p> + <p> + By this time there was great excitement in the American aviation + headquarters. Word of the oncoming Hun planes had spread, and not a flier + of Pershing's forces but was eager to get into his plane and go aloft to + give battle. But only the best were selected, and if there were + heart-burnings of disappointment it could not be helped. + </p> + <p> + Two classes of planes were to be used, the single seaters for the aces, + who fought alone, and the double craft, each one of which carried a pilot + and an observer. In the latter cases the observers were the new men, who + had yet to receive their baptism of fire above the clouds. + </p> + <p> + Tom and Jack were each detailed to take up one of the new men, and the air + service boys were glad to find that, assigned to each of them, was the + very man he would have picked had he had his choice. They were eager, + intrepid lads, anxious to do their share in the great adventure. + </p> + <p> + Quickly the machines were made ready, and quickly the fighters climbed + into them. The roar of the motors was heard all over the aerodrome, and + soon the machines began to mount. Up and up they climbed, and none too + soon, for on reaching elevations averaging ten thousand feet, there was + seen, over the German lines, a flock of the Hun planes led by two or three + machines painted a bright red. These were some of the machines that had + belonged to the celebrated “flying circus,” organized by a daring Hun + aviator and ace who was killed after he had inflicted great damage and + loss on the Allied service. He and his men had their machines painted red, + perhaps on the theory that they would thus inspire terror. These were some + of the former members of the “circus,” it was evident. + </p> + <p> + “It's going to be a real fight!” cried Tom, as he headed his machine + toward one of the red craft. Whether the green man Tom was taking up + relished this or not, knowing, as he must, the reputation of these red + aviators, Tom did not stop to consider. + </p> + <p> + Then, as the two hostile air fleets approached, there began a battle of + the clouds—a conflict destined to end fatally for more than one + aviator. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE FALLING GLOVE + </h2> + <p> + Numerically the Hun planes, were superior to the American fleet of + airships that quickly rose to oppose them. That probably accounted for + fact that the Germans did not turn tail and scurry back beyond the + protection of their own anti-aircraft guns and batteries. For it was + seldom, if ever, they went into a fight when the odds were against them. + </p> + <p> + On came the Fokkers and Gothas, the black iron crosses painted on the + wings of the machines standing out in bold relief in the clear air. The + sun glinted on the red craft which were in the lead, and besides Tom, who + headed for one of these, a French ace darted down from a height to engage + the red planes. + </p> + <p> + “See if you can plug him when I put you near enough!” cried Tom to his + observer, who had the reputation of being a good shot with the Lewis gun. + Practice with the machine weapons in aeroplanes had been going on, for + some time among the new American aviators. “Let him have a good dose!” + cried Tom. “If you miss him, then I'll try!” + </p> + <p> + Of course Tom had to shut off the engine when he said this, as no voice + could have been heard above the roaring of the powerful motor. But when he + had given his companion these instructions and had ascertained, by a + glance over his shoulder, that the lad understood for he nodded his head, + Tom again turned on the gasoline, and the propeller, that had been + revolving by momentum and because of the pressure of air against it, took + up its speed again. + </p> + <p> + Straight for the red machine rushed Tom, and a quick glance told him that + his companion was ready with the gun. The weapon to be worked by the + latter was mounted so that it could be aimed independently of the + aeroplane. Tom also had a gun in front of him, but it was fixed and could + be aimed only by pointing the whole craft. Once this was done Tom could + operate the weapon with one hand, steering with the other, and, at times, + with his feet and knees. + </p> + <p> + There came several sharp pops near Tom's head, and he knew these were + machine bullets from the Hun aviator's gun, breaking through the tightly + stretched linen fabric of the wings of his own plane. + </p> + <p> + “Let him have it before he plugs us!” cried Tom to his companion, though + of course the latter could not hear a word. An instant later Tom heard the + Lewis gun behind him firing, and he saw several tracer bullets strike the + Hun machine. But they were not near the aviator himself, and did no + material damage. + </p> + <p> + “Guess he's too nervous to shoot straight,” reasoned Tom. “I'll have to + try my own gun,” he decided. + </p> + <p> + Tom noticed that the Hun was climbing up, trying to get into a position + above the American plane, which is always an advantage. And the air + service boy knew he must not let this happen. Quickly he shifted the + rudder and began to climb himself. But he was at a disadvantage as his + machine carried double, while the red plane had only one man in it, an ace + beyond a doubt. + </p> + <p> + “I've got to get him now or never!” thought Tom. Once more he shifted his + direction, and then, as he had his gun aimed just where he wanted it, he + pressed the lever and a burst of bullets shot out and fairly riddled the + red plane. It seemed to stop for an instant in the air, and then, + quivering, turned and went down in a nose dive, spinning around. + </p> + <p> + “No fake about that!” mused Tom, as he leaned over and looked down from + the height. “He's done for!” + </p> + <p> + And so, the Hun was, for he crashed to the ground behind the American + lines. The incident did not affect Tom Raymond greatly. It was not his + first killing. But when he, glanced back toward his companion, he saw that + the other was shrinking back as if in horror. + </p> + <p> + “He'll get over that soon enough. All he has to do is to think of what the + Huns have done—crucifying men and babies—to make his heart + hard,” thought Tom. + </p> + <p> + Whether his companion did this or not, did not disclose itself, but the + fact remains that when Tom flew off to engage another Hun machine the lad + back of him rose to the occasion and shot so well that Fritz veered off + and flew back over his own lines, wounded and with his craft barely able + to fly. + </p> + <p> + Not all the American machines fared as well as this, however. Jack was in + poor luck. The first burst of bullets from the German he engaged punctured + his gasoline tank, and he was obliged to coast back to his own aerodrome + to get another machine, if possible. He was also hit once in the leg, the + wound being painful though not dangerous. He received first aid treatment + and wanted to get back into the fight, but this was not allowed, and he + had to watch the battle from the ground. + </p> + <p> + The fight was fast and stubborn, and in the end the American forces won, + for at a signal from the remaining red plane, which seemed to bear a + charmed existence, as it did not appear to be hit, the others remaining of + the Hun forces, turned tail and scooted back to safety. + </p> + <p> + But they had left a toll of five machines sent crashing to earth, four of + them each containing two men. The leading French ace was killed, a severe + loss to the Allied forces, and three of the American machines were damaged + and their operators severely wounded, though with a chance of recovery. By + American machines is meant those assigned for use to Pershing's forces, + though the craft used up to that time were of French or English make. The + real American machines came into use a little later. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think we can call it one to our credit,” said Tom, as he rejoined + Jack after the battle. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. But you had all the luck!” complained his chum. “It went against me, + and the lad I took up. It—” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind; it'll be your turn next,” replied Tom, consolingly. + </p> + <p> + And so the new American aviators received their baptism of fire, and, to + their credit, longed for more. + </p> + <p> + More credit was really due the American forces than would be indicated by + the mere citation of the losses inflicted on the German side in this first + air battle. For many of the American fighters were “green,” while not one + of the Huns, as was learned later, but what had several Allied machines to + his score. And so there was rejoicing in General Pershing's camp, even + though it was mingled with sorrow at the losses inflicted. + </p> + <p> + Busy days followed, Tom and Jack were in the air much of the time. And + when they were not flying they were delivering talks to new students, who + were constantly arriving. They found time once to run into Paris on their + day of leave, to see Bessie and Nellie, and they went on a little picnic + together, which was as jolly as such an affair could be in the midst of + the terrible war. Nellie had received no word of her missing brother, and + Jack and Tom had no encouragement for her. + </p> + <p> + Then came more hard work at camp, and another battle of the air in which + the American forces more than equaled matters, for they fairly demolished + a German plane squadron, sending ten of the machines crashing to earth and + the others back over the Hun lines, more or less damaged. That was a great + day. And, as a sort of reward for their work, Tom and Jack were given + three days' leave. At first they thought to spend them in Paris, but, + learning that neither Bessie nor her mother nor Nellie could leave their + Red Cross work to join them, the two lads made other arrangements. + </p> + <p> + “Let's go back and see the fellows in the Lafayette Escadrille,” suggested + Tom. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” agreed Jack. + </p> + <p> + And thither they went. + </p> + <p> + That they were welcomed need not be said. It was comparatively quiet on + this sector just then, though there had, a few days before, been a great + battle with victory perching on the Allied banners. The air conflicts, + too, had been desperate, and many a brave man of the French, English or + American fliers had met his death. But toll had been taken of the Boches—ample + toll, too. + </p> + <p> + The first inquiry Tom and Jack had made on their arrival at their former + aerodrome had been for news of Harry Leroy, but none had been received. + </p> + <p> + It was when Tom and Jack were about to conclude their visit to their + former comrades of the air that an incident occurred which made a great + change in their lives. One sunny afternoon there suddenly appeared, a mere + speck in the blue, a single aeroplane. + </p> + <p> + “Some one of your men must have gone a long way over Heinie's lines,” + remarked Jack to one of the French officers. + </p> + <p> + “He is not one of our men. Either they were all back long ago or they will + not come back until after the war—if ever. That is a Hun machine.” + </p> + <p> + “What is he doing—challenging to single combat?” asked Tom, as the + lone plane came on steadily. + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered the officer, after a look through his glasses. “I think he + brings some messages. We sent some to the Germans yesterday, and I think + this is a return courtesy. We will wait and see.” + </p> + <p> + Nearer and nearer came the German plane. Soon it was circling around the + French camp. Hundreds came out to watch, for now the object of the lone + aviator was apparent. He contemplated no raid. It was to drop news of + captured, or dead, Allied airmen. + </p> + <p> + Then, as Tom, and the others watched, a little package was seen to fall + from the hovering aeroplane. It landed on the roof of one of the hangars, + bounced off and was picked up by an orderly, who presented it to the + commanding officer. + </p> + <p> + Quickly and eagerly it was opened. It contained some personal belongings + of Allied airmen who had been missing for the past week. Some of them, the + message from the German lines said, had been killed by their falls after + being shot down, and it was stated that they had been decently buried. + Others were wounded and in hospitals. + </p> + <p> + “No word from Harry,” said Tom, sadly, as the last of the relics from the + dead and the living were gone over. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I guess we may as well give him up,” added Jack. “But we can avenge + him. That's all we have left, now.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” agreed Tom. “If we only—?” + </p> + <p> + A cry from some of those watching the German plane interrupted him. The + two air service boys looked up. Another small object was falling. It + landed with a thud, almost at the feet of Tom and Jack, and the latter + picked it up. + </p> + <p> + It was an aviator's glove; and as Jack held it up a note dropped out. + Quickly it was read, and the import of it was given to all in a + simultaneous shout of joy from Tom and Jack. + </p> + <p> + “It's word from Harry Leroy! Word from Harry at last!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. STUNTS + </h2> + <p> + Truly enough, word had come from the missing aviator, or, if not directly + from him, at least from his captors. The German airmen, falling in with + the chivalry which had been initiated by the French and English, and later + followed by the Americans, had seen fit to inform the comrades of the + captured man of his whereabouts. + </p> + <p> + “Where is he? What happened to him?” asked several, as all crowded around + Tom and Jack to hear the news. + </p> + <p> + Jack, reading the note, told them. The missive was written in very good + English, though in a German hand. It stated that Harry Leroy had been shot + down in his plane while over the German lines, and had fallen in a lonely + spot, wounded. + </p> + <p> + The wound was not serious, it was stated, and the prisoner was doing as + well as could be expected, but he would remain in the hands of his captors + until the end of the war. The reason his whereabouts was not mentioned + before was that the Germans did not know they had one of the Allied + aviators in their midst. + </p> + <p> + Leroy had not only fallen in a lonely spot, but he was made unconscious by + his fall and injuries, and when he recovered he was lying near his almost + demolished plane. + </p> + <p> + He managed to get out his log book and other confidential papers, and set + fire to them and the plane with the gasoline that still remained in the + tank. He destroyed them so they might not fall into the hands of the + Germans, a fate he knew would be his own shortly. + </p> + <p> + But Harry Leroy was not doomed to instant capture. The blaze caused by his + burning aeroplane attracted the attention of a peasant, who had not been + deported when the enemy overran his country, for the young aviator had + fallen in a spot well back of the front lines. This French peasant took + Harry to his little farm and hid him in the barn. There the man, his wife, + and his granddaughters, looked after the injured aviator, feeding him and + binding up his hurts. It was a great risk they took, and Harry Leroy knew + it as well as they. But for nearly two weeks he remained hidden, and this + probably saved his life, for he got better treatment at the farmhouse than + he would, as an enemy, have received in a German hospital. + </p> + <p> + But such good luck could not last. Suspicion that Americans were hidden in + the Frenchman's barn began to spread through the country, and rather than + bring discovery on his friends, Leroy left the barn one night. + </p> + <p> + He had a desperate hope that he might reach his own lines, as he was now + pretty well recovered from his 'Injuries, but it was not to be. He was + captured by a German patrol. But by his quick action Harry Leroy had + removed suspicion from the farmer, which was exactly what he wished to do. + </p> + <p> + The Germans, rejoicing over their capture, took the young aviator to the + nearest prison camp, and there he was put in custody, together with some + unfortunate French and English. The tide of war had turned against Harry + Leroy. + </p> + <p> + So it came about that, some time after he had been posted as missing and + when it was surely thought that he was dead, Harry Leroy was found to be + among the living, though a prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “This will be great news for his sister!” exclaimed Jack, as the note + dropped by the German airman was read over and over again. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, she'll be delighted,” agreed Tom. “We must hurry back and tell her.” + </p> + <p> + “And that isn't all,” went on Jack. “We must try to figure out a way to + rescue Harry.” + </p> + <p> + “You can't do that,” declared a French ace, one with whom the air service + boys had often flown. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “It's out of the question,” was the answer. “There has never been a rescue + yet from behind the German lines. Or, if there has been, it's like a blue + moon.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we can try,” declared Jack, and Tom nodded his head in agreement. + </p> + <p> + “Don't count too much on it,” added another of their friends. “Harry may + not even be where this note says he is.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean that the Germans would say what isn't so?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Of course! Naturally!” was the answer. “But even if they did not in this + case, even if they have truly said where Leroy is, he may be moved at any + time—sent to some other prison, or made to work in the mines or at + perhaps something far worse.” + </p> + <p> + Tom and Jack realized that this might be so, and they felt that there was + no easy task ahead of them in trying to rescue their chum from the hands + of the Germans. But they were not youths who gave up easily. + </p> + <p> + “May we keep this note?” asked Tom, as he and Jack got ready to depart. + Having fallen on the camp of the escadrille with which they were formerly + quartered, it was, strictly speaking, the property of the airmen there. + But having been told how much the sister of the prisoner would appreciate + it, the commanding officer gave permission for Tom and Jack to take the + glove and note with them. + </p> + <p> + “Let us know if you rescue him, Comrades!” called the Frenchmen to the two + lads, as they started back for their own camp. + </p> + <p> + “We will,” was the answer. + </p> + <p> + Nellie Leroy's joy in the news that her brother was alive was tempered by + the fact that he was a German prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “But we're going to get him!” declared Tom even though he realized, as he + said it, that it with almost a forlorn hope. + </p> + <p> + “You are so good,” murmured the girl. + </p> + <p> + Jack and Tom spent a few happy hours in Paris, with Nellie and Bessie—the + last of their leave—and then, bidding the girls and Mrs. Gleason + farewell, they reported back to the American aerodrome, where the young + airmen were cordially welcomed. + </p> + <p> + There they found much to do, and events followed one another so rapidly at + this stage of the World War that Tom and Jack, after their return, had + little time for anything but flying and teaching others what they knew of + air work. They had no opportunity to do anything toward the rescue of + Harry Leroy; and, indeed, they were at a loss how to proceed. They were + just hoping that something would transpire to give them a starting point. + </p> + <p> + “We'll have to leave it to luck for a while,” said Torn. + </p> + <p> + “Or fate,” added Jack. + </p> + <p> + “Well, fate plays no small part in an airman's life,” returned Tom. “While + we are no more superstitions than any other soldiers, yet there are few + airmen who do not carry some sort of mascot or good-luck piece. You know + that, Jack.” + </p> + <p> + And even the casual reader of the exploits of the aviators must have been + impressed with the fact that often the merest incident—or accident + is responsible for life or death. + </p> + <p> + Death often passes within hair's breadth of the intrepid fliers, and some + of them do not know it until after they have made a landing and have seen + the bullet holes in their machine—holes that indicate how close the + missiles have passed to them. + </p> + <p> + So, in a way, both Tom and Jack believed in luck, and they both believed + that this same luck might point out to them a way of rescuing Harry Leroy. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile they were kept busy. After the big battle in the air matters + were quiet for a time on their sector of the front. The arrival of new + fliers from America made it necessary to instruct them, and to this Tom, + Jack and other veterans were detailed. + </p> + <p> + Then began a series of what Jack called “stunts.” In order to inspire the + new pupils with confidence, the older flying men—not always older in + years—would go aloft in their single planes and do all sorts of + trick flying. Some of the pupils—the more daring, of course—wished + to imitate these, but of course they were not allowed. + </p> + <p> + The pupils were first allowed merely to go with an experienced man. This, + of course, they had done at the flying schools in the United States, and + had flown alone. But they had to start all over again when on French soil, + for here they were exposed, any time, to an attack from a Hun plane. + </p> + <p> + After they had, it was thought, got sufficient experience to undertake + these trick features by themselves, they were allowed to make trial + flights, but not over the enemy lines. + </p> + <p> + Tom and Jack gave the best that was in them to these enthusiastic pupils, + and there was much good material. + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do to-day, Jack?” asked Tom one morning, as they + went out after breakfast to get into their “busses,” as they dubbed their + machines. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, got orders to do some spiral and somersault stunts for the benefit of + some huns.” (“Hun,” used in this connection, not referring to the Germans. + “Hun” is the slang term for student aviators, tacked on them by more + experienced fliers.) + </p> + <p> + “Same here. Good little bunch of huns in camp now.” + </p> + <p> + Tom nodded in agreement, and the two were soon preparing to climb aloft. + </p> + <p> + With a watching group of eager young men on the ground below, in company + with an instructor who would point out the way certain feats were done, + Torn and Jack began climbing. Presently they were fairly tumbling about + like pigeons, seeming to fall, but quickly straightening out on a level + keel and coming to the ground almost as lightly as feathers. + </p> + <p> + “A good landing is essential if one would become a good airman,” stated + the instructor. “In fact I may say it is the hardest half of the game. For + it is comparatively easy to leave the earth. It is the coming back that is + difficult, like the Irishman who said it wasn't the fall that hurts, it + was the stopping.” + </p> + <p> + “Give 'em a bit of zooming now,” the instructor said to Tom and Jack. “The + boys may have to use that any time they're up and a Boche comes at them.” + </p> + <p> + “Zooming,” he went on to the pupils, “is rising and falling in a series of + abrupt curves like those in a roller-coaster railway. It is a very useful + stunt to be master of, for it enables one to rise quickly when confronting + a field barrier, or to get out of range of a Hun machine gun.” + </p> + <p> + Tom undertook this feature of the instruction, as Jack signaled that his + aeroplane was out of gasoline, and soon the former was rolling across the + aviation field, seemingly straight toward a row of tall trees. + </p> + <p> + “He'll hit 'em sure!” cried one student. + </p> + <p> + “Watch him,” ordered the instructor. + </p> + <p> + With a quick pull on the lever that controlled the rudder, Tom sent + himself aloft, but not before a curious thing happened. + </p> + <p> + On the ground where it had been dropped was a tunic, or airman's fur-lined + jacket. As Tom's machine “zoomed,” the tail skid caught this jacket and + took it aloft. + </p> + <p> + Tom did not seem to be aware of this, though he must have felt that his + machine was a bit sluggish in the climbs. However, he went through with + his performance, doing some beautiful “zooming,” and then, as he was + flying high and getting ready to do a spiral nose dive, the tunic detached + itself from his skid and fell. + </p> + <p> + Just at this moment Jack came out from the hangar and, looking aloft and + noting Tom's machine, saw the falling jacket. His heart turned sick and + faint, for, unaware of what had happened, he thought his chum had tumbled + out while at a great height. For the tunic, turning over and over as it + sailed earthward, did resemble a falling body. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Tom! Tom! How did it happen?” murmured Jack. + </p> + <p> + The others, laughing, told him that it was nothing serious, but Jack + looked a bit worried until the empty jacket fell on the grass and, a + little later, Tom himself came down smiling from aloft, all unaware of the + excitement he had caused. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. OVER THE LINES + </h2> + <p> + “Well, I guess we stay downstairs, to-day,” remarked Tom to Jack, the day + following their exhibition flights for the benefit of the air students. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it doesn't look very promising,” returned his chum. + </p> + <p> + Jack looked aloft where the sky—or what took its place—was + represented by a gray mist that seemed ready to drip water at any moment. + It was a day of “low visibility,” and one when air work was almost totally + suspended. This applied to the enemy as well as to the Yankees. For even + though it is feasible to go up in an aeroplane in fog, or even rain or + snow, it is not always safe to come down again in like conditions. + </p> + <p> + There is nothing worse than rain, snow or fog for clouding an aviator's + goggles, making it impossible for him to see more than a plane's length + ahead, if, indeed, he can see that far. Then, too, little, if anything, + can be accomplished by going aloft in a storm or fog. No observations of + any account can be made, and the aviator, once he gets aloft, is as likely + to come down behind the German lines as he is to descend safely within his + own. + </p> + <p> + That being the case, Tom and Jack, in common with their comrades of the + air, had a vacation period. Some of them obtained leave and went to the + nearest town, while some put in their time going over their guns and + glasses and equipment and machines. + </p> + <p> + Jack and Tom elected to do the latter. There was one very fast and + powerful Spad which they often used together, taking turns at piloting it + and acting as observer. They thought they might have a chance soon to go + over the German lines in this, their favorite craft, so they decided to + put in their spare time seeing that it was in perfect shape, and that the + two machine guns were ready for action when needed. + </p> + <p> + “'Would you rather do this than fly, Jack?” asked Tom, as they went over, + in detail, each part of the powerful Spad. + </p> + <p> + “I should say not! But, after all, one is just as important as the other. + I hope we get a good day to-morrow. I'd like to do something toward seeing + if we can't get Harry out of the Boche's clutches,” and he nodded in the + direction of the German lines. + </p> + <p> + “'Tisn't going to be easy doing that,” remarked Tom. “I'd ask nothing + better than to have a hand in getting him away, but I haven't yet been + able to figure out a shadow of a plan. Have you?” + </p> + <p> + “The only thing, I can think of is to organize a big raid on the section + where he's held—I mean somewhere near the German prison—and if + we bombed the place enough, and created enough excitement, some of us + might land and get Harry and any others that might be with him.” + </p> + <p> + Tom shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “That'd be a pretty risky way of doing it,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Can you think of a better?” Jack demanded quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Not off hand,” came the reply. “We've got to stew over it a bit. One + thing's sure—we've got to get Harry out, or his sister never will + feel like going back home and facing the folks.” + </p> + <p> + “That's right!” agreed Jack. “We've got a double motive for this. But I'm + afraid it's going to be too hard.” + </p> + <p> + “That's what we thought when we rescued Mrs. Gleason from the old castle + where Potzfeldt had her caged,” retorted Tom. “But you made out all + right.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; thanks to your help.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we'll both work together again,” declared Tom. “And now let's try + this Lewis gun. The last time we were up it jammed on me, and yet it + worked all right on the ground.” So they tested the guns, looked to the + motor, and in general made ready for a flight when the weather should + clear. + </p> + <p> + This happened two days later, when the fog and mist were blown away and + the blue sky could be seen. In the interim the artillery and infantry on + both sides had not been idle, and there had been some desperate + engagements, with the brigaded American troops making a new name for + themselves. + </p> + <p> + “I guess there'll be something doing to-day,” remarked Tom, as he and Jack + tumbled out of bed at the usual early hour. “Clear as a bell,” he + announced, after a glance from the window. “Shouldn't wonder but what we + went over their lines to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “And I suppose, by the same token, they'll be coming over ours,” and Jack + nodded to indicate the Germans. + </p> + <p> + “Let 'em come!” exclaimed Tom. “It takes two sides to make a fight, and + that's what we're here for.” + </p> + <p> + Hardly had the two air service boys finished their breakfast, than an + orderly came to tell them the commanding officer wanted them to report to + him. They hurried across the aviation ground, toward the headquarters + building, noting on the way that there were signs of unusual activity + among the newer members of the American air forces, as well as among the + French and British veterans. + </p> + <p> + “Must be going to make a raid,” observed Jack. + </p> + <p> + “Something like that—yes,” assented Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Hope we're in on it, and the commanding officer doesn't have us take some + huns up to show 'em what makes the wheels go around,” went on Jack. “Of + course that's part of the game, but we've done our share.” + </p> + <p> + However, they need have felt no fear, for when they stood before the + commanding officer, saluting, they quickly learned that they were to go on + a special mission that day—in fact as soon as they could get ready. + </p> + <p> + “I want you two to see if you can discover a battery of small guns that + have been playing havoc with our men,” he said, as he looked up from a + table covered with maps. “They're located somewhere along this front, but + they're so well camouflaged that no one has yet been able to discover + them. + </p> + <p> + “I want you boys to see if you can turn the trick. The guns have killed a + lot of our men, as well as the French and English. We've tried to rush the + emplacement, but we can't get a line on where it is for it's well hidden. + I asked permission of the British commanding general to send up two + American scouts, and he mentioned you boys. Get your orders from the + major, and good luck to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you want us to go together or separately?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Together—in a double plane. I might say that we are going to try a + raid on a big scale over the enemy's lines, and you two will thus have a + better chance to carry out your observations unmolested. The Hun planes + will have their hands full attending to our fighters, and they may not + attack a single plane off by itself. We'll try to draw them away from you. + </p> + <p> + “At the same time I might point out that there is nothing sure in this, + and that you may have to fight also,” concluded the commanding officer, as + he waved a dismissal. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, were ready for anything,” announced Tom. And as he and Jack got + outside he clapped his chum on the back, crying: “That's the stuff! Good + old C.O. to send us! That's what we've been looking for! Maybe we'll have + time to drop down and shoot some of the Huns that are guarding Harry.” + </p> + <p> + “No chance of that—forget it now,” urged Jack. “We'll clean up this + location trick first, and then think of a plan to get Harry away. It + sounds hard to say it, but it's all we can do. Orders are orders.” + </p> + <p> + They were glad they had made ready the speedy Spad plane, for it was in + this that they would try to locate the hidden battery, and, having + received detailed instructions from the major in command, the two lads + climbed into their air plane and started off. + </p> + <p> + The day was clear and bright, just the sort for aeroplane activity; and it + was evident there would be plenty of it, since, even as they began + climbing, Tom and Jack saw planes from their own aerodrome skirting ahead + of and behind them, while, in the distance and over German-held territory, + were Fokkers and Gothas with the iron cross conspicuously painted on each. + </p> + <p> + Tom and Jack had been given a map of the front, their own and the German + lines being shown, and the probable location of the hidden Hun battery + marked. This they now studied as they started over the front, Jack being + in front, while Tom sat behind him, to work the swivel Lewis gun. + </p> + <p> + Their Spad machine was one that could be controlled from either seat, so + that if one rider was disabled the other could take charge. There were two + guns, one fixed and the other movable, and a good supply of ammunition. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I guess there'll be some fighting to-day,” observed Tom, as Jack + shut off the motor for a moment, to see if it would respond readily when + the throttle was opened again. “They're closing in from both sides.” + </p> + <p> + And indeed the Allied planes were sailing forth to meet a squadron of the + enemy. But none of the Hun craft seemed to pay any attention to Tom and + Jack. Steadily they flew on until an exclamation from Jack caused Tom to + look down. He noted that they were over the German lines, and headed for + the probable location of the battery that had been such a thorn in the + side of the Allies. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. A PERFECT SHOT + </h2> + <p> + The plane in which Tom and Jack had gone aloft to make observations which, + it was hoped, would result in the discovery of the hidden battery, was a + special machine. While very powerful and swift and equipped for + air-fighting, it was also one that had been used by one of the French + photographers and his pilot. The photographer, was a daring man, and had, + not long before, gone to his death in fighting three Hun planes. But he + had peculiar ideas regarding his car, and under his orders it had been + fitted with a glass floor in the two cockpits, or what corresponded to + them. + </p> + <p> + Thus he and his pilot could look down and observe the nature of the enemy + country over which they were traveling without having to lean over, not + always a safe act where anti-aircraft guns below are shooting up shrapnel. + </p> + <p> + So as Torn and Jack flew on and on, over the enemy's first and succeeding + line trenches, they looked down through the glass windows in the plane to + make their observations. There was a camera attached to the plane, and + though they could each make use of it, but they were not skilled in this + work. + </p> + <p> + It was impossible for them to talk to one another now, as Jack had the + motor going almost full speed, and the noise it made was deafening, or it + would have been except for the warm, fur hoods that covered the ears of + the fliers. They were warmly dressed for they did not know how high they + might ascend, and it is always cold up above, no matter how hot it is on + the earth. + </p> + <p> + Up and up they climbed, and then they flew on and over the enemy lines, + keeping close lookout for anything unusual below that would indicate the + presence of the battery. Behind them, and off to one side, a fierce aerial + battle was going on. + </p> + <p> + Tom and Jack were eager to get into this and do their share. But they had + orders to make their observations, and they dared not 'refuse. They could + tell by looking back every now and then that the affair was going well for + the Allies, including some of the American airmen, even if the Huns + outnumbered them. + </p> + <p> + Back and forth over the German lines swept the glass-bottomed Spad, and at + a certain point Tom, who was looking down, uttered an exclamation. Of + course Jack could not hear, but he could feel the punch in the back his + chum administered a moment later. + </p> + <p> + Jack turned his head, and saw his chum eagerly pointing downward. A moment + later he motioned over his left shoulder, pointing backward, as though + they had just passed over something which would warrant a second + inspection. + </p> + <p> + Jack swung the machine about in a big circle, banking sharply, and then, + as he passed over the ground covered a little while before, he, too, + looked down, and with sharper glance than he had used at first. + </p> + <p> + What he saw was the ruins of a small French chateau. It had been under + heavy fire from the Allied guns, for it had sheltered a German machine gun + nest, and some accurate shooting on the part of the American gunners had + demolished it a day or so before. + </p> + <p> + But what attracted the attention of Tom and Jack was that whereas the + chateau before the bombardment had stood on a little hill without a tree + near it, now there was a miniature forest surrounding it. It was as though + trees and bushes had sprung up in the night. As soon as he had seen this, + Jack turned to Tom, nodded comprehendingly, and at once started back over + the American lines. They had no easy time reaching them, for by this time + the fleet of Hun planes had been defeated by the Allies, and had turned + tail to run for safety—that is what were left of them, several + having been shot down, and at no small cost to the French, English and + American forces. + </p> + <p> + But the defeat of their airmen seemed to anger the Germans, and they + opened up with their antiaircraft batteries on the machine in which Tom + and Jack were flying homeward. “Woolly bears” and “flaming onions,” as + well as shrapnel, was used against them, and they were in considerable + danger. Jack had to “zoom” several times to get out of reach of the + shells. + </p> + <p> + They finally reached their aerodrome, however, and as soon as they had + landed and their plane was taken in charge by the mechanics the two lads + hurried to the commanding officer. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” he asked sharply, as they saluted. “Did you discover anything?” + </p> + <p> + “I think so, sir,” returned Tom, for Jack had told his chum to do the + talking, since the discovery was his. “You remember, sir, the old chateau + we put out of business the other day?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I recall it. What about it?” + </p> + <p> + “This: It seems suddenly to have grown a wooded park around it, and the + trees and bushes don't seem to be as fresh as natural ones ought to look.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean they camouflaged the ruins, and have put another battery in the + old, chateau?” + </p> + <p> + “I think so, sir. It wouldn't do any harm to drop a few shells there. If + it's still a ruin the worst will be that we've wasted a little ammunition + and may start the German guns up. And if it is what we think it is, we may + blow up the battery.” + </p> + <p> + The commander thought for a moment. + </p> + <p> + “I'll try it!” he suddenly said. “It's worth all it will cost.” + </p> + <p> + He called an orderly and issued his instructions. Tom and Jack had not yet + been dismissed, and now the commanding officer turned to them and said: + </p> + <p> + “Since you boys were sharp enough to discover this, I'll let you have a + front seat at the show which will start soon. Go up and do contact work. + Let the gunners know when they make a hit.” + </p> + <p> + The air service boys could not have wished for anything better. + </p> + <p> + “Once more for our bus!” exclaimed Jack delightedly, when they were + outside. + </p> + <p> + Their Spad had been refilled with gasoline, or “petrol,” as it is called + on the other side, and oil had been put in, while the machine guns had + been looked to. + </p> + <p> + “You seem to have spotted it all right, Tom,” went on Jack, just as they + were about to start, for word came that the American batteries were ready. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I was looking down through the glass, and when I saw the old chateau + it struck me that it had suddenly grown a beard. I remembered it before, + as being on a bare hill. I thought it was funny, and that I might be + mistaken. But when you agreed with me I knew I was right.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the Huns have brought up trees and bushes to disguise the place all + right,” declared, Jack. “The only question is whether or not the battery + is hidden there.” + </p> + <p> + But there was not long a question about that. Their machine was equipped + with wireless to signal back the result of the shots, and Jack and Tom + were soon in position. From the maps used when they had previously shelled + the place to drive out the German gunners, the American artillery forces + knew just about where to plant the shells. + </p> + <p> + There was a burst of fire from the designated battery. Up aloft Jack and + Tom watched the shell fall. It was a trifle over, and a correction was + signaled back. + </p> + <p> + A moment later the second shell—a big one sailed over the German + first lines, and fell directly on the chateau partly hidden in the woods. + </p> + <p> + There was a burst of smoke, and with it mingled clouds of dust and flying + particles. Faintly to Tom and Jack, above the noise of their motor, came + the sound of a terrific explosion. + </p> + <p> + There had been a direct hit on the old ruins, as was proved by the fact + that not only was the German battery put out of commission, but a great + quantity of ammunition hidden in the trees and bushes was blown up, and + with it a considerable number of Germans. + </p> + <p> + And that it was a place well garrisoned was evident to the air service + boys as they saw a few Huns, who were not killed by the shell and + resultant explosion of the ammunition dump, running away from the place of + destruction. + </p> + <p> + “That was it all right,” said Jack, as he and Tom landed back of their own + lines. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and it couldn't have been hit better. I hope that was the battery + they wanted put out of business.” + </p> + <p> + And it was, for no more shells came from that vicinity of the Hun + positions for a long time. The aeroplane observations had given the very + information needed, and Tom and Jack were congratulated, not only by their + comrades, but by the commanding officer himself, which counted for a great + deal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. A DARING SCHEME + </h2> + <p> + Tom sat up on his bunk and looked across at Jack, who was just showing + signs of returning consciousness—that is, he was getting awake. It + was the morning after the successful discovery of the hidden German + battery, and since this exploit the two lads had not been required to go + on duty. + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter?” asked Jack, opening his eyes and looking at his chum. + “Has the mail come in? Any letters?” + </p> + <p> + “No. I was just thinking,” remarked Tom, and though his eyes were fixed on + Jack it was clear that his thoughts were somewhere else. + </p> + <p> + “Thinking, Tom? That's bad business. Have you seen the doctor?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, shut off your gas!” ordered Tom. “You're side slipping. First you + know you'll come down in a tail spin and I'll have to be looking for a new + partner.” + </p> + <p> + “It's as serious as all that, is it?” asked Jack, as he began to dress. + “Well, in that case I withdraw my observation. Go ahead. How's the + visibility?” + </p> + <p> + “Low. We won't have to go up to-day, unless it clears.” + </p> + <p> + “Um. And I was counting on getting a few Huns right after breakfast. Well, + what's your think about, if you really were indulging in that expensive + pastime?” + </p> + <p> + “I was,” said Tom, and he got up and also proceeded to put on his clothes. + “I was thinking about Harry.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” and Jack's voice was decidedly different. It had lost all its + flippant tone. “Say, he certainly is in tough luck. I wish we could do + something for him—and his sister. Doubtless you were thinking of + her, too,” and a little smile curled his lips. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I was thinking of Nellie,” conceded Tom, and he was so bold and + frank about it that Jack choked back the joke that he was about to make. + “I was thinking that we haven't done very much to redeem our promise.” + </p> + <p> + “But how can we?” asked Jack. “We haven't had a chance to do anything to + rescue Harry. Of course I want to do that as much as you do, but how is it + to be done? Can you answer me that?” + </p> + <p> + “We can't do it by just talking,” said Tom. “That's what I've been + thinking about. A scheme came to me in the night, and I've been waiting to + tell you about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Shoot then, my pickled blunderbuss,” returned Jack. “I'm with you to the + last drop of petrol.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't know that it's so much,” said Tom. “It's only that we ought + to get word to Harry, somehow, that we're thinking of him and trying to + plan some way of rescuing him. We ought to tell him his sister is here, + too, and, at the same time we might drop him something to smoke and a cake + or two of chocolate.” + </p> + <p> + Jack looked at his chum in amazement. Then he burst out with: + </p> + <p> + “Say, while you're at it why don't you send him a piano, and an + automobile, too, so he can ride home when he wants to? What do you mean—getting + word to him? Don't you know that the beastly Huns will hold up the mail as + they please, and anything else we might send. They don't even let the Red + Cross packages go through until they get good and ready. Talk about your + barbarians!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I wasn't thinking of the mail,” replied Tom. + </p> + <p> + “No? What then?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, we know where he is held a prisoner—at least we have the name + of the prison camp, and he may be there unless he's been transferred. Of + course that's possible, but it's worth taking a chance on.” + </p> + <p> + “A chance on what?” asked Jack, “You haven't explained yet. What do you + plan to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Fly over the place where Harry is held a prisoner and drop down a package + and some letters to him,” said Tom. “Now wait until you hear it all before + you say it can't be done!” he went on quickly, for Jack seemed about to + interrupt. + </p> + <p> + “If Harry is held where he was first made a prisoner, it's a big place, + and there are thousands of our captives there, as well as French and + British. Well, where there are so many they have to have a big stockade to + pen 'em in, worse luck. And dropping a bomb on a big place is easier than + dropping one on a small object.” + </p> + <p> + “Say! Suffering snuffle-boxes!” cried Jack. “You don't mean to drop a bomb + in Harry's prison, camp, do you? Do you think he might possibly escape in + the confusion?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing like that,” said Tom. “I mean drop a package containing some + smokes, some chocolate and a letter telling him we haven't forgotten him + and that we're going to try to rescue him, and for him to be on the + lookout. That could be done.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” + </p> + <p> + “By us flying over the place in our speedy Spad. We needn't make a very + big package, though the more of something to eat we can give him the + better, for those Boches starve our men. Let's get a week off—the + commanding officer will let us go. We can go to our old escadrille and + make arrangements to start from there. The boys will help us all they + can.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there's no doubt about that,” assented Jack. “They all liked Harry as + much as we did. But I can't see that your scheme will succeed. It's a + risky one.” + </p> + <p> + “All the more reason why it ought to succeed,” declared Tom. “It's the + fellows who take chances who get by. Now let's see if we can get a few + hours off to go to Paris.” + </p> + <p> + “Go to Paris? What for?” + </p> + <p> + “To see Nellie Leroy and have her write her brother a letter. It will be + better to have one come direct from her than for us merely to give him + news of her in one of our notes.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” agreed Jack, “I guess it would. And I begin to see which way the + wind blows. You wish to see Nellie.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you make me tired!” exclaimed Tom. “All you can think of is girls! I + tell you I'm doing this for Harry!” + </p> + <p> + “And I believe you, old top, and what's more, I'm with you from the word + go. It's a crazy scheme and a desperate one, but for that very reason it + may succeed. The only thing is that we may not get permission to carry it + out.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I don't intend that anyone shall know what our game is,” returned + Tom. “Of course the authorities would squash it in a minute. No, we'll + have to keep dark about that. All we need is permission to do a little + flying 'on our own,' for a while.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose they won't let us do that?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I think they will, after what we did yesterday,” said Tom. “Come on, + let's get ready to go to Paris.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. WILL THEY SUCCEED? + </h2> + <p> + The scheme evolved, or, perhaps, dreamed of by Tom Raymond in his anxiety + to get some word to the captive Harry Leroy worked well at the start. When + he and Jack asked permission to have half a day off to make the trip to + Paris it was readily granted. Perhaps it was because of their exploit of + the day before, when their sharp eyes had discovered the camouflaged + German battery and brought about its destruction, or maybe it was because + the day was a misty one,+ when no flying could be done. + </p> + <p> + At any rate, soon after breakfast saw the two boys on their way to the + wonderful city—wonderful in spite of war and the German “super + cannon,” which had itself been destroyed. + </p> + <p> + Tom and Jack knew that unless their plans were changed, the two girls and + Mrs. Gleason would be at home in Paris, for they had a holiday once in + every seven, and it was their custom to come to their lodging for a rest + from the merciful, though none the less exceedingly trying, Red Cross + work. + </p> + <p> + Nor had the boys guessed in vain, for when they presented themselves at + the Gleason lodging, where Nellie Leroy was also staying, they were + greeted with exclamations of delight. + </p> + <p> + “We were just thinking of you,” said Bessie, as she shook hands with Jack. + </p> + <p> + “And so we were of you,” Jack replied, gallantly. + </p> + <p> + “I thought of it first,” said Tom. “He'll have to give me credit for + that.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” agreed Jack, “I will. He's got a great scheme,” he added, as Mrs. + Gleason came in to greet the boys. “Tell 'em, Tom.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it anything about—oh, have you any news for me about Harry?” + asked Nellie eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly news from him, but we're going to send some news to him!” + exclaimed Tom. “I want you to write him a letter-a real, nice, sisterly + letter.” + </p> + <p> + “What good will that do?” asked Nellie. “I've sent him a lot, but I can't + be sure that he gets them. I don't even know that he is alive.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I think he is,” said Tom, hopefully. “If the German airmen were + decent enough to let us know he was a prisoner of theirs, they would tell + us if—if—well, if anything had happened to him.” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” he went on, “that you, can count on his being alive, though he + isn't having the best time in the world—none of the Hun prisoners + do. That's why I thought it would cheer him up to let him know we are + thinking of him, and if we can send him some smokes, and some chocolate.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he is so fond of chocolate!” exclaimed Nellie. “He used to love the + fudge I made. I wonder if I could send him any of that?” + </p> + <p> + Tom shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “It would be better,” he said, “to send only hard chocolate—the kind + that can stand hard knocks. Fudge is too soft. It would get all mussed up + with what Jack and I have planned to do to it.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” asked Bessie Gleason. “You haven't told us yet. How are + you going to get anything to Harry through those horrid German lines?” + </p> + <p> + “We're not going through the German lines we're going above 'em; in an + aeroplane. And when we get over the prison camp where Harry is held, we're + going to drop down a package to him, with the letters, the chocolate and + other things inside.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that's perfectly wonderful!” exclaimed Bessie. “But will the Germans + let you do it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” remarked Jack, “they'll probably try to stop us, but we don't mind + a little thing like that. We're used to it. Of course, as I tell Torn, + it's a long chance, but it's worth taking. Of course it isn't easy to drop + any object from a moving aeroplane and have it land at a certain spot. We + may miss the mark.” + </p> + <p> + “For that reason I'm going to take several packages,” put in Tom. “If one + doesn't land another may.” + </p> + <p> + “But if you do succeed in dropping a package for Harry in the midst of the + German stockade, won't the guards see it and confiscate it?” asked Mrs. + Gleason. “You know they'll be as brutal as they dare to the prisoners—though + of course,”' she added quickly, as she saw a look of pain on Nellie's + face, “Harry may be in a half-way decent camp. But, even then, won't the + Germans keep the package themselves?” + </p> + <p> + “I've thought of that,” replied Tom. “We've got to take that chance also. + But I figure that, in the confusion, Harry, or some of his fellow + prisoners, may pick up the package, or packages, unobserved. Of course + there's only a slim chance that Harry himself will pick up the bundle. But + it will be addressed to him, and if any of the French, British, or + American prisoners get it, they'll see that it goes to Harry all right.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, of course,” murmured Mrs. Gleason. “But what was that you said about + the 'confusion?'” + </p> + <p> + “That's something different,” said Tom. “I'm counting on dropping a few + bombs on the German works outside the camp, to—er—well, to + sort of take their attention off the packages we'll try to drop inside the + stockade. Of course while we're doing this we may be and probably shall + be, under fire ourselves. But we've got to take that chance. It's a mad + scheme, Jack says, and I realize that it is. But we've got to do + something.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Nellie in a low voice, “we must do something. This suspense is + terrible. Oh, if I only could get word to Harry!” + </p> + <p> + “You write the letter and I'll take it!” declared Tom. + </p> + <p> + “And I'll help!” exclaimed Jack. + </p> + <p> + And then the letters—several of them, for each one wrote a few lines + and made triplicates of it, since three packages were to be dropped. The + letters, to begin again, were written and the bundles were made up. They + contained cigarettes, cakes of hard chocolate, soap and a few other little + comforts and luxuries that it was certain Harry would be glad to get. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the plan would have to be left to Tom and Jack to work out, + and, having talked it over with their friends, they found it was time for + them to start to their station, since their leave was up at eleven o'clock + that night. + </p> + <p> + Getting permission for a week's absence was not as easy as securing + permission to go to Paris. But Tom and Jack waited until after a sharp + engagement, during which they distinguished themselves by bravery in. the + air, assisting in bringing down some Hun planes, and then their petition + was favorably acted on. + </p> + <p> + Behold them next, as a Frenchman might say, on their way to their former + squadron, where they were welcomed with open arms. They had to take the + commanding officer into their confidence, but he offered no objection to + their scheme. They must go alone, however, and without his official + knowledge or sanction, since it was not strictly a military matter. + </p> + <p> + And so Tom and Jack were furnished with the best and speediest machine in + their former camp, and one bright day, following a hard air battle in + which the Huns were worsted, they set out to drop the letters and packages + over the prison camp where Harry Leroy was held. + </p> + <p> + “Well, how do you feel about it?” asked Jack, as he and his chum stepped + into their trim machine. + </p> + <p> + “Not at all afraid, if that's what you mean.” + </p> + <p> + “No. And you know I didn't. I mean do you think we'll pull it off?” + </p> + <p> + “I have a sneaking suspicion that we shall.” + </p> + <p> + “And so have I. It's a desperate chance, but it may succeed. Only if it + does, and we get Harry's hopes raised for a rescue, how are we going to + pull that off?” + </p> + <p> + “That's another story,” remarked Tom. “Another story.” + </p> + <p> + They mounted into the clear, bright air, and proceeded toward the German + lines. Would they reach their objective, or would they be shot down, to be + either killed or made prisoners themselves? Those were questions they + could not answer. But they hoped for the best. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. BADLY HIT + </h2> + <p> + Before undertaking their kindly though dangerous mission, Tom and Jack had + carefully studied it from all angles. At first Jack had been frankly + skeptical, and he said as much to his chum. + </p> + <p> + “You'll never get over the place where Harry is held a prisoner,” declared + Jack. “And, if you do, and start to dropping packages, they'll never land + within a mile of the place you intend, and Harry'll have the joy of seeing + some fat German eat his chocolate cake.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, maybe,” Tom had agreed, “But I'm going to try.” + </p> + <p> + To this end they had secured the best map possible of the ground in and + around the prison camp. Its location they knew from the dropped glove of + the aviator, which contained a note telling about Leroy. + </p> + <p> + It was not uncommon for Germany to disclose to her enemies the names of + prisons where certain of the Allies were confined, and this was also done + by England and France. The prison camps were located far enough behind the + defense lines to make it impossible for them to be reached in the course + of ordinary fighting. + </p> + <p> + Then, too, the airmen of Germany seemed a step above her other fighters in + that they were more chivalrous. So Tom and Jack felt reasonably certain as + to Leroy's whereabouts. Of course it was possible that he had been moved + since the note was written, but on this point they would have to take a + chance. + </p> + <p> + To this end they had provided themselves not only with the best maps + obtainable showing the character of the ground and the nature of the + defenses around the prison, where Harry and other Allied men were held, + but inquiries had also been made by those in authority, at the request of + Tom and Jack, of German prisoners, and from them had come information of + value about the place. + </p> + <p> + Of course the two air service boys had no hope of inflicting much damage + on batteries or works outside the prison. By the dropping of some bombs + they carried they hoped to distract attention from themselves long enough + to drop the packages to Leroy. The bombs were a sort of feint. + </p> + <p> + And now they were on their way, winging a path over their own lines, and + soon they would be above those of the Hun. + </p> + <p> + Some of the former comrades of Tom and Jack, having been apprised of what + the lads were to attempt, had, without waiting for official orders, + decided to do what they could to help. This took the form of a daring + challenge to the German airmen to come out and give battle. + </p> + <p> + After their thorough drubbing of the day before, however, the Boche + aviators did not seem much inclined to venture forth for another cloud + fight. But the French and some English fliers who were acting with them, + laid a sort of trap, which, in a way, aided the two Americans. + </p> + <p> + A half dozen swift Spads took the air soon after Tom and Jack ascended, + but instead of flying over the German lines they went in the opposite + direction, making their way to the west. They got out of sight, and then + mounted to a great height. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after this some heavy, double-seated planes set out for the German + territory as though to make observations or take photographs. It was the + belief of the French airmen that the Huns would swarm out to attack these + planes, or else to give battle to the machine in which Tom and Jack rode. + And, in such an event, the swift Spads would swoop down out of a great + height and engage in the conflict. + </p> + <p> + And that is exactly what occurred. Torn and Jack had flown only a little + way over the trenches of the enemy when they saw some Hun planes coming up + to meet them. It was in the minds of both lads that they were in for a + fight, but before they had a chance to sight their guns, some French + planes of the slow type appeared in their rear. + </p> + <p> + To these the Huns at once turned their attention, and then the Spads + swooped down, and there was a sharp engagement in the air, which + ultimately resulted in victory for the Allied forces, though two of the + French fliers were wounded. + </p> + <p> + But the feint had its effect, and attention was drawn away from Tom and + Jack, who flew on toward the prison camp. + </p> + <p> + Had their mission been solely to carry words of cheer with some material + comforts to Harry Leroy, it is doubtful if Tom and Jack would have + received permission to make the trip. But it was known they were both + daring aviators and good observers, and it was this latter ability on + their part which counted in their favor. For it was thought they might + bring back information concerning matters well back of the German front + lines, information which would be of service to the Allies. + </p> + <p> + And in furtherance of this scheme Jack and Tom made maps of the country + over which they were flying. They had been provided with materials for + this before leaving. + </p> + <p> + On and on they flew, changing their height occasionally, and, when they + were fired at, which was the case not infrequently, they “zoomed” to + escape the flying shrapnel. + </p> + <p> + But on the whole, they fared very well, and in a comparatively short time + they found themselves over the country where, on the maps, was marked the + location of Harry Leroy's prison camp. + </p> + <p> + “There it is!” suddenly exclaimed Tom, but of course Jack could not hear + him. However, a punch in Jack's back served the same purpose, and he took + his eyes from his instruments long enough to look down. Then a + confirmatory glance at the map made him agree with Tom. The air service + boys were directly over the prison camp. + </p> + <p> + This, like so many other dreary places set up by the Germans, consisted of + a number of shacks, in barrack fashion, with a central parade, or exercise + ground. About it all was a barbed wire stockade and, though the character + of these wires did not show, there were also some carrying a deadly + electric current. + </p> + <p> + This was to discourage escapes on the part of prisoners, and it succeeded + only too well. + </p> + <p> + But the camp was in plain sight, and in the central space could be seen a + number of ant-like figures which the boys knew were prisoners. + </p> + <p> + Whether one of them was Leroy or not, they were unable to say. + </p> + <p> + But they had reached their objective, and now it was time to act. High + time, indeed, for below them batteries began sending up shells which burst + uncomfortably close to them. They were of all varieties, from plain + shrapnel to “flaming onions” and “woolly bears,” the latter a most + unpleasant object to meet in mid-air. + </p> + <p> + For the Germans were taking no chances. They knew the vulnerable points of + their prison camp lay above, and they had provided a ring of anti-aircraft + guns to take care of any Allied, machines that might fly over the place. + Whether any such daring scheme had been tried before or not, Tom and Jack + could not say. + </p> + <p> + Of course it was out of the question that any great damage could be done + in the vicinity of the camp without endangering the inmates, so it was not + thought, in all likelihood, that any very heavy air raids would have to be + repelled. But in any case, the Huns were ready for whatever might happen. + </p> + <p> + “Better drop the bombs, hadn't we?” cried Jack to Tom, as he slowed down + the motor a moment to enable his voice to be heard. + </p> + <p> + “I guess so—yes. Drop 'em and then shoot over the camp again and let + the packages fall. It's getting pretty hot here.” + </p> + <p> + And indeed it was. Guns were shooting at the two daring air service boys + from all sides of the camp. + </p> + <p> + In the camp itself great excitement prevailed, for the prisoners knew, + now, that it was some of their friends flying above them. + </p> + <p> + There was another danger, too. Not many miles away from the prison camp + was a German aerodrome, and scenes of activity could now be noticed there. + The Huns were getting ready to send up a machine—perhaps more than + one—to attack Tom and Jack. + </p> + <p> + It was, then, high time they acted, and as Jack again started the engine, + he guided the machine over a spot where the anti-aircraft guns were most + active. + </p> + <p> + “There's a battery there I may put out of business,” he argued. + </p> + <p> + Flying fast, Jack was soon over the spot, or, rather, not so much over it, + as in range of it. For when an aeroplane drops a bomb on a given + objective, it does not do so when directly above, but just before it + reaches it. The momentum of the plane, going at great speed, carries any + object dropped from it forward. It is as when a mail pouch is thrown from + a swiftly moving express train or a bundle of newspapers is tossed off. In + both instances the man in the train tosses the pouch or his bundle before + his car gets to the station platform, and the momentum does the rest. + </p> + <p> + It was that way with the bomb Jack released by a touch of his foot on the + lever in the cockpit of the machine. Down it darted, and, wheeling sharply + after he had let it go, the lad saw a great puff of smoke hovering + directly over the spot where, but a moment before, Hun gums had been + belching at him. + </p> + <p> + “Good! A sure hit!” cried Tom, but he alone heard his own words. Jack's + ears were filled with the throb of the motor. He had two more bombs, and + these were quickly dropped at different points on German territory outside + the camp. + </p> + <p> + At the time, aside from the evidences they saw, Jack and Tom were not + aware of the damage they inflicted, but later they learned it was + considerable and effective. However, they guessed that they had created + enough of a diversion to try now to deliver the packages containing the + letters and other comforts. + </p> + <p> + Jack swung the machine at a sharp angle over the prison camp, and as he + cleared the barbed wire fence Tom, who had been given charge of the + packets, let one go. It fell just outside the barrier, caused by some + freak of the wind perhaps, and the lad could not keep back a sigh of + dismay. One of the three precious packages had fallen short of the mark, + and would doubtless be picked up by some German guard. + </p> + <p> + But Tom had the satisfaction of seeing the two other bundles fall fairly + within the prison fence, and there was a rush on the part of the + unfortunate men to pick them up. + </p> + <p> + “I only hope Harry's there,” mused Tom. “That's tough luck to wish a man, + I know,” he reflected, “but I mean I hope he gets the letters and things.” + </p> + <p> + However, he and Jack had done all that lay in their power to make this + possible, and it was now time to get back to their own lines if they + could. The place was getting too dangerous for them. + </p> + <p> + Swinging about in a big circle, and noting that groups of prisoners were + now gathered about the place where the packets had fallen, Jack sent the + machine toward that part of France where they had spent so many strenuous + days. + </p> + <p> + “They're going to make it lively for us!” cried Jack, as he noted two + swift German planes mounting into the air. “It's going to be a fight.” + </p> + <p> + But he and Tom were ready for this. Their Lewis and Vickers guns were in + position, and they only awaited the approach of the nearest Hun plane to + unlimber them. They mounted steadily upward to get beyond the range of the + anti-aircraft batteries and were soon in comparative safety, since the + Huns, at this particular sector at least, were notoriously bad marksmen. + </p> + <p> + With the German planes, that would be a different story, and Tom and Jack + soon found this out to their cost. + </p> + <p> + For one of the Boche machines came on speedily, and much more quickly than + the boys had believed possible was within range. The German machine guns—for + it was a double plane—began spitting fire and bullets at them. They + replied, but did not seem to inflict much damage. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Tom saw Jack give a jump, as though in an agony of pain, and then + the young pilot crumpled up in his seat. + </p> + <p> + “Badly hit!” exclaimed Tom with a pang at his own heart. “Poor Jack is out + of it!” + </p> + <p> + The machine, out of control for a moment, started to go into a nose dive, + but Tom let go the lever of his machine gun, and took charge of the craft, + since it was one capable of dual manipulation. Tom now had to become the + pilot and gunner, too, and he had yet a long way to go to reach his own + lines, while Jack was huddled, before him, either dead or badly wounded. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. JUST IN TIME + </h2> + <p> + It was with mingled feelings of alarm and sorrow that Tom Raymond sent the + speedy Spad aeroplane on its homeward way toward the French lines. He was + worried, not chiefly about his own safety, but on account of Jack; and his + sorrow was in the thought that perhaps he had taken his last flight with + his beloved chum and comrade in arms. He could not see where Jack had been + hit, but this was because the other lad lay in such a huddled position in + the cockpit. Jack had slumped from his seat, the safety straps alone + holding him in position, though he would not have fallen out when the + machine was upright as it was at present. + </p> + <p> + “One of those machine gun bullets must have got him,” mused Tom, as he + started the craft on an upward climb, for it had darted downward when + Jack's nerveless hands and feet ceased their control. For part of the + steering in an aeroplane is done by the feet of the pilot, leaving his + hands free, at times, to fire the machine gun or draw maps. + </p> + <p> + Tom had a double object in starting to rise. One was to get into a better + position to make the homeward flight, and another was to have a better + chance not only to ward off the attack of the Hun planes, of which there + were now three in the air, but also to return their fire. It is the + machine that is higher up that stands the best chance in an aerial duel, + for not only can one maneuver to better advantage, but the machine can be + aimed more easily with reference to the fixed gun. + </p> + <p> + In Tom's case he did not have access to this weapon, which was fixed on + the rim of the cockpit where Jack could, and where he had been + controlling, it. With Jack out of the fight, through one or more German + bullets, it was up to Tom to return the fire of the Huns from his swivel + mounted Lewis gun. He was going to have difficulty in doing this and also + guiding the craft, but he had had harder problems than this to meet since + becoming an aviator in the great war, and now he quickly conquered his + worrying over Jack, and began to look to himself. + </p> + <p> + He gave one more fleeting glance at the crumpled-up figure of his chum, + seeking for a sign of life, but he saw none. Then he swung about, turning + in toward the nearest Hun airman, and not away from him, and opened up + with the machine gun, using both hands on that for a moment, while he + steered with his knees. + </p> + <p> + It was not easy work, and Tom hardly expected to make a direct hit, but he + must have come uncomfortably close to the Boche, for the latter swerved + off, and for an instant his plane seemed beyond control. Whether this was + due to a wound received by the aviator, or to a trick on his part was not + disclosed to Tom. But the machine darted downward and seemed to be content + to veer off for a while. + </p> + <p> + The third plane Tom soon saw was not going to trouble him, as it had not + speed equal to his own, so that he really had left only one antagonist + with whom to deal. And this plane, containing two men, with whom he had + not yet come to close quarters, was racing toward him at great speed. + </p> + <p> + “I guess there's only one thing to do,” mused Tom, “and that's to run for + it. I won't stand any show at all with two of them shooting at me, while I + have to manage the machine and the gun too. If I can beat 'em to our lines + I'd better do it and run the chance of some of our boys coming out to take + care of 'em. I'd better get Jack to a doctor as soon as I can.” + </p> + <p> + And abandoning the gun to give all his attention to the motor, Tom opened + it full and sped on his way. The other machine's occupants saw his plan + and tried to stop it with a burst of bullets, but the range was a little + too far for effective work. + </p> + <p> + “Now for a race!” thought Tom, and that is what it turned out to be. + Seeing that he was going to try to get away, the Hun plane, which was + almost as speedy as the one Tom and Jack had started out in, took after + them. The other German craft was left far in the rear, and the one Tom had + shot at appeared to be in such difficulties that it was practically out of + the fight. + </p> + <p> + Thus the odds, once so greatly against our heroes, were now greatly + reduced, though not yet equal, since Jack was completely out of the game—for + how long Tom could only guess, and he seemed to feel cold fingers + clutching at his heart when he thought of this. + </p> + <p> + But Tom soon discovered, by a backward glance over his shoulder now and + then, that his machine, barring accidents, would distance the other, and + this was what his aim now was. So on and on he sped, watching the German + occupied French territory unrolling itself below him, coming nearer and + nearer each minute to his own lines and safety. + </p> + <p> + Behind them, he and Jack—for the latter had done his share before + being wounded—had left consternation in the German ranks. The bombs + had done considerable damage—as was learned later—and the + dropping of packages within the prison camp was fraught with potential + danger to an extent at which the Boches could only guess. + </p> + <p> + On and on sped Tom, sparing time, now and then, to look back at his + pursuers, who were, it could not be doubted, doing their best to get + within effective range. And, every now and again, Tom would glance at the + motionless form of his churn. + </p> + <p> + But poor Jack never stirred, and Tom was fearing more and more that his + chum had made his last flight. As for the Hun aviators, after using up a + drum or so of bullets uselessly, they ceased firing and urged their + machine on to the uttermost. + </p> + <p> + But Tom had the start of them, and he was also on a higher level, so that + the Germans must climb at an oblique angle to reach him. + </p> + <p> + And, thanks to this, Tom saw that, if nothing else happened, he would soon + be in comparative safety with the unconscious form of Jack. The + anti-aircraft batteries were firing in vain, as he was beyond their range, + and, far away, he could see the lines of the French armies, behind which + he soon hoped to be. + </p> + <p> + And then the unexpected happened, or, rather, it had taken place some time + since, but it was only then brought to Tom's attention. His engine began + missing, and when he sought for a cause he speedily found it. Nearly all + the gasoline had leaked out of the main tank. As he knew that there had + been plenty for the return flight, there was but one explanation of this. + A Hun bullet had pierced the petrol reservoir, letting the precious fluid + leak away. + </p> + <p> + “Now if the auxiliary tank has any in it, I'm fairly all right,” thought + Tom. “If it hasn't, I'm all in.” + </p> + <p> + His worst fears were confirmed, for the auxiliary tank had suffered a like + fate with the main one. Both were pierced. There were only a few drops + left, besides those even then being vaporized in the carburetor. + </p> + <p> + With despair in his heart, Tom looked back. If the Hun plane chose to rush + him now all would be over with him and Jack. He had only enough fuel for + another thousand meters or so, and then he must volplane. + </p> + <p> + He saw a burst of flame and smoke from the enemy plane, and realized that + he was being shot at again. But the distance was still too far for + effective aim. + </p> + <p> + And then, to his joy, Tom saw the pursuer turn and start back toward the + German territory. The firing had been a last, desperate attempt to end his + career, and it had failed. Either the Huns were almost out of petrol + themselves, or they did not relish getting too close to the French lines. + </p> + <p> + “And now, if I can volplane down the rest of the way, I'll be in a fair + position to save myself,” mused Tom, as he made a calculation of the + distance he had yet to go. It was far, but he was at a good height and + believed he could do it. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly his engine stopped, as though with a sigh of regret that it could + no longer serve him, and Tom knew that volplaning alone would save him + now. He was still over the enemy country, and had his plight been guessed + at by the Germans, undoubtedly they would have sent a machine up to attack + him. But they were in ignorance. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing to do but drift along. Gravity alone urged the craft on. + As he swept over the German trenches Tom was greeted with a burst of + shrapnel, and he was now low enough to be vulnerable to this. But luck was + with him, and though the plane was hit several times he thought he was + unharmed. But in this he was wrong. He received a glancing wound in one + leg, but in the excitement he did not notice it, and it was not until he + had landed that he saw the blood, and knew what had happened. + </p> + <p> + On and on, and down and down he volplaned until he was so near his own + lines, and so low down, that he could hear the burst of cheers from his + former comrades. + </p> + <p> + Then he aimed his craft for a level, grassy place to make a landing, and + as he came to a gradual stop, and was surrounded by a score of eager + aviators, he cried out, as soon as he could speak, “I'm all right! But + look after Jack! He's hurt!” + </p> + <p> + A surgeon bent hastily over the huddled form, and with the aid of some men + lifted it from the cockpit. Jack's legs were covered with blood, and when + the medical man saw whence it came, then and there he set hastily to work + to stop the bleeding from a large artery. + </p> + <p> + “You got back only just in time, my friend,” he said to Tom, as Jack was + carried to a hospital. “Two minutes more and he would have been bled to + death.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. A CRASH + </h2> + <p> + Not until a day or so later, when Jack was able to sit up in bed and greet + Tom with rather a pale face, did the latter learn all that had happened. + And it was a very close call that Jack had had. + </p> + <p> + As Tom had guessed, it was some of the bullets from the Hun machine gun + that had stricken down his chum. One had struck him a glancing blow on the + head, rendering Jack unconscious and sending him down, a crumpled-up heap + in the cockpit of his machine. Another bullet, coming through the machine + later, had found lodgment in Jack's leg, cutting part way through the wall + of one of the larger arteries. + </p> + <p> + It was certain that this bullet, the one in the leg, came after Jack was + hit on the head, for that first wound was the only one he remembered + receiving. + </p> + <p> + “It was just as though I saw not only stars' but moons, suns, comets, + rainbows and northern lights all at once,” he explained to his chum. + </p> + <p> + The bullet in the leg had cut only part way through the wall of an artery. + At first the tissues held the blood back from spurting out in a stream + that would soon have carried life with it. But either some unconscious + motion on Jack's part, or a jarring of the plane, broke the half-severed + wall, and, just before Tom landed, his chum began to bleed dangerously. + Then it was the surgeon had made his remark, and acted in time to save + Jack's life. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I guess we made good all right,” remarked Jack, as his chum visited + him in the hospital. + </p> + <p> + “I reckon so,” was the answer, “though the Huns haven't sent us any love + letters to say so. But we surely did drop the packages in the prison camp, + though whether Harry got them or not is another story. But we did our + part.” + </p> + <p> + “That's right,” agreed Jack. “Now the next thing is to get busy and bring + Harry out of there if we can.” + </p> + <p> + “The next thing for you to do is to keep quiet until that wound in your + leg heals,” said the doctor, with a smile. “If you don't, you won't do any + more flying, to say nothing of making any rescues. Be content with what + you did. The whole camp is talking of your exploit. It was noble!” + </p> + <p> + “Shucks!” exclaimed Tom, in English, for they had been speaking French for + the benefit of the surgeon, who was of that nationality. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, and what may that mean?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I mean it wasn't anything,” translated Tom. “Anybody could have done what + we did.” + </p> + <p> + But of this the surgeon had his doubts. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the dangerous character of his wound, Jack made a quick + recovery. He was in excellent condition, and the wound was a clean one, + so, as soon as the walls of the artery had healed, he was able to be + about, though he was weak from loss of blood. However, that was soon made + good, and he and Tom, bidding farewell to their late comrades, returned to + the American lines. They had been obliged to get an extension of leave—at + least Jack had—though Tom could report back on time, and he spent + the interim between that and Jack's return to duty, serving as instructor + to the “huns” of his own camp. They were eager to learn, and anxious to do + things for themselves. + </p> + <p> + Before long Jack returned, though he was not assigned to duty, and he and + Tom visited Paris and told Nellie, Bessie and Mrs. Gleason the result of + their mission. + </p> + <p> + “You didn't see Harry, of course?” asked Nellie, negatively, though really + hoping that the answer would be in the affirmative. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, we couldn't make out any individual prisoner,” said Tom. “There + was a bunch of 'em—I mean a whole lot—there.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellows!” said Mrs. Gleason kindly, “Let us hope that they will soon + be released.” + </p> + <p> + “Tom and I have been trying to hit on some plan to rescue Harry,” put in + Jack. “And we'd help any others to get away that we could. But is isn't + going to be easy.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I don't see how you can do it!” exclaimed Nellie. “Of course I would + give anything in the world to have Harry back with me, but I must not ask + you to run into needless danger on his account. That would be too much. + Your lives are needed here to beat back the Huns. Harry may live to see + the day of victory, and then all will be well.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe in waiting, if anything can be done before that.” Tom + spoke grimly. “But, as Jack says, it isn't going to be easy,” he went on. + “However, we haven't given up. The only thing is to hit on some plan + that's feasible.” + </p> + <p> + They talked of this, but could arrive at nothing. They were not even sure—which + made it all the harder to bear—that Harry had received the packages + dropped in the prison camp at such risk. The only thing that could be done + was to wait and see if he wrote to his sister or his former chums. Letters + occasionally did come from German prisoners, but they were rare, and could + be depended on neither as to time of delivery nor as to authenticity of + contents. + </p> + <p> + So it was a case of waiting and hoping. + </p> + <p> + Jack was not yet permitted to fly, so Tom had to go alone. But he served + as an instructor, leaving the more dangerous work of patrol, fighting, and + reconnaissance to others until he was fit to stand the strain of flying + and of fighting once more. + </p> + <p> + “Sergeant Raymond, you will take up Martin to-day,” said the flight + lieutenant to Tom one morning. “Let him manage the plane himself unless + you see that he is going to get into trouble. And give him a good flight.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” answered Tom, as he turned away, after saluting. + </p> + <p> + He found his pupil, a young American from the Middle West, who was not as + old as he and Jack, awaiting him impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “I'm to get my second wing soon, and I want to show that I can manage a + plane all by myself, even if you're in it,” said the lad, whose name was + Dick Martin. “They say I can make a solo flight to-morrow if I do well + to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, go to it!” exclaimed Tom with a laugh. “I'm willing.” + </p> + <p> + Soon they were in a double-seater of fairly safe construction—that + is, it was not freakish nor speedy, and was what was usually used in this + instructive work. + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to fly over the town,” declared Martin, naming the French city + nearest the camp. “Well, mind you keep the required distance up,” + cautioned Tom, for there was, a regulation making it necessary for the + aviators to fly at a certain minimum height above a town in flying across + it, so that if they developed engine trouble, they could coast safely down + and land outside the town itself. + </p> + <p> + “I'll do that,” promised Martin. + </p> + <p> + But either he forgot this, or he was unable to keep at the required + height, for he began scaling down when about over the center of the place. + Tom saw what was happening, and reached over to take the controls. But + something happened. There was a jam of one of the levers, and to his + consternation Tom saw the machine going down and heading straight for a + large greenhouse on the outskirts of the town. + </p> + <p> + “There's going to be one beautiful crash!” Tom thought, as he worked in + vain to send the craft up. But it was beyond control. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. GETTING A ZEPPELIN + </h2> + <p> + Dick Martin became frantic when he saw what was about to happen. He fairly + tore at the various levers and controls, and even increased the speed of + the motor, but this last only had the effect of sending the machine at a + faster rate toward the big expanse of glass, which was the greenhouse + roof. + </p> + <p> + “Shut it off! Shut off the motor!” cried Tom, but his words could not be + heard, so he punched Martin in the back, and when that frightened lad + looked around his teacher made him understand by signs, what was wanted. + </p> + <p> + With the motor off there was a chance to speak, and Torn cried: + </p> + <p> + “Head her up! Try to make her rise and we may clear. I can't do a thing + with the levers back here!” + </p> + <p> + Martin tried, but his efforts had little effect. For one instant the + machine rose as though to clear the fragile glass. Then it dived down + again, straight for the greenhouse roof. + </p> + <p> + “Guess it's all up with this machine!” thought Tom quickly. He was not + afraid of being killed. The distance to fall was not enough for that, and + though he and his fellow aviator might be cut by broken glass, still the + body of the aeroplane would protect them pretty well from even this + contingency. But there was sure to be considerable damage to the property + of a French civilian, and the machine, which was one of the best, was + pretty certain to be badly broken. + </p> + <p> + And then there came a terrific crash. The aeroplane settled down by the + stern, and rose by the bow, so to speak. Then the process was reversed, + and Tom felt himself being catapulted out of his seat. Only his safety + strap held him in place. The same thing happened to Dick Martin. + </p> + <p> + Then there was an ominous calm, and the aeroplane slowly settled down to + an even keel, held up on the glass-stripped frames of the greenhouse, one + of the very few in that vicinity, which was considerably in the rear of + the battle line. + </p> + <p> + Slowly Tom unbuckled his safety strap and climbed out, making his way to + the ground by means of stepping on an elevated bed of flowers inside the + now almost roofless house. + </p> + <p> + Martin followed him, and as they stood looking at the wreckage they had + made, or, rather, that had been made through no direct fault of their own, + the proprietor of the place came out, wearing a long dirt-smudged apron. + </p> + <p> + He raised his hands in horror at the sight that met his gaze, and then + broke into such a torrent of French that Tom, with all the experience he + had had of excitable Frenchmen, was unable to comprehend half of it. + </p> + <p> + The gist was, however, to the effect that a most monstrous and + unlooked-for calamity had befallen, and the inhabitants of all the earth, + outside of Germany and her allies, were called on to witness that never + hid there been such a smash of good glass. In which Torn was rather + inclined to agree. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you did something this time all right, Buddie,” Tom remarked to + Dick Martin. + </p> + <p> + “Did I—did I do that?” he asked, as though he had been walking in + his sleep, and was just now awake. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you and the old bus together,” said Tom. “And we got off lucky at + that. Didn't I tell you to keep high, if you were going to fly over one of + the towns?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +“Yes, you did, but I forgot. Anyhow I'd have cleared the place if the +controls hadn't gone back on us.” + + “I suppose so, but that excuse won't go with the C.O. It's a bad +smash.” + </pre> + <p> + By this time quite a crowd had gathered, and Tom was trying to pacify the + excitable greenhouse owner by promising full reparation in the shape of + money damages. + </p> + <p> + How to get the machine down off the roof, where it rested in a mass of + broken glass and frames, was a problem. Tom tried to organize a wrecking + party, but the French populace which gathered, much as it admired the + Americans, was afraid of being cut with the broken glass, or else they + imagined that the machine might suddenly soar aloft, taking some of them + with it. + </p> + <p> + In the end Tom had to leave the plane where it was and hire a motor to + take him and Martin back to the aerodrome. They were only slightly cut by + flying glass, nothing to speak of considering the danger in which they had + been. + </p> + <p> + The result of the disobedience of orders was that the army officials had + rather a large bill for damages to settle with the French greenhouse + proprietor, and Tom and Dick Martin were deprived of their leave + privileges for a week for disobeying the order to keep at a certain height + in flying over a town or city. + </p> + <p> + Had they done that, when the controls jammed, they would have been able to + glide down into a vacant field, it was demonstrated. The machine was badly + damaged, though it was not beyond repair. + </p> + <p> + “And that's the last time I'm ever going to be soft with a Hun, you can + make up your mind to that,” declared Tom to Jack. “If I'd sat on him hard + when I saw he was getting too low over the village, it wouldn't have + happened. But I didn't want him to think I knew it all, and I thought I'd + take a chance and let him pull his own chestnuts out of the fire. But + never again!” + </p> + <p> + “'Tisn't safe,” agreed Jack. He was rapidly improving, so much so that he + was able to fly the next week, and he and Tom went up together, and did + some valuable scouting work for the American army. + </p> + <p> + At times they found opportunity to take short trips to Paris, where they + saw Nellie and Bessie, and were entertained by Mrs. Gleason. Nellie was + eager for some word from her brother, but none came. Whether the packages + dropped by Tom and Jack reached the prisoner was known only to the + Germans, and they did not tell. + </p> + <p> + But the daring plan undertaken by the two air service boys was soon known + a long way up and down the Allied battle line, and more than one aviator + tried to duplicate it, so that friends or comrades who were held by the + Huns might receive some comforts, and know they were not forgotten. Some + of the Allied birdmen paid the penalty of death for their daring, but + others reported that they had dropped packages within the prison camps, + though whether those for whom they were intended received them or not, was + not certain. + </p> + <p> + “But we aren't going to let it stop there, are we?” asked Tom of Jack one + day, when they were discussing the feat which had been so successful. + </p> + <p> + “Let it stop where? What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean are we going to do something to get Harry away from the Boche + nest?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm with you in anything like that!” exclaimed Jack. “But what can we do? + How are we going to rescue him?” + </p> + <p> + “That's what we've got to think out,” declared Tom. “Something has to be + done.” + </p> + <p> + But there was no immediate chance to proceed to that desired end because + of something vital that happened just about then. This was nothing more + nor less than secret news that filtered into the Allied lines, to the + effect that a big Zeppelin raid over Paris was planned. + </p> + <p> + It was not the first of these raids, nor, in all likelihood, would it be + the last. But this one was novel in that it was said the great German + airships would sail toward the capital over the American lines, or, + rather, the lines where the Americans were brigaded with the French and + English. Doubtless it was to “teach the Americans a lesson,” as the German + High Command might have put it. + </p> + <p> + At any rate all leaves of absence for the airmen were canceled, and they + were ordered to hold themselves in readiness to repel the “Zeps,” as they + were called, preventing them from getting across the lines to Paris. + </p> + <p> + “And we'll bring down one or two for samples, if we can!” boasted Jack. + </p> + <p> + “What makes it so sure that they are coming?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + It developed there was nothing sure about it. But the information had come + from the Allied air secret service, and doubtless had its inception when + some French or British airman saw scenes of activity near one of the + Zeppelin headquarters in the German-occupied territory. There were certain + fairly positive signs. + </p> + <p> + And, surely enough, a few nights later, the agreed-upon alarm was sounded. + </p> + <p> + “The Zeps are coming!” + </p> + <p> + Tom and Jack, with others who were detailed to repel the raid, rushed from + their cats, hastily donned their fur garments, and ran to their + aeroplanes, which were a “tuned up” and waiting. + </p> + <p> + “There they are!” cried Torn, as he got into his single-seated plane, an + example followed on his part by Jack. “Look!” + </p> + <p> + Jack gazed aloft. There was a riot of fire from the anti-aircraft guns of + the French and British, but they were firing in vain, for the Zeppelins + flew high, knowing the danger from the ground batteries. + </p> + <p> + Sharp, stabbing shafts of light from the powerful electric lanterns shot + aloft, and now and then one of them would rest for an instant on a great + silvery cigar-shape—the gas bag of the big German airships that were + beating their way toward Paris, there to deal death and destruction. + </p> + <p> + “Come on!” cried Tom, as his mechanician started the motor. “I'm going to + get a Zep!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm with you!” yelled Jack, and they soared aloft side by side. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. ON PATROL + </h2> + <p> + Aloft with Tom and Jack were several other fighters, for it was not only + considered a great honor to bring down a Zeppelin, but it would save many + lives if one or more of the big gas machines could be prevented from + dropping bombs on Paris or its environs. + </p> + <p> + The machines which were used were all of the single type, though of + different makes and speeds. Each one was equipped with electric launching + tubes. These were a somewhat new device for use against captive Hun + balloons and Zeppelins and were installed in many of the fighting scout + craft of the Americans and Allies. + </p> + <p> + Between the knees of Toni and Jack, as well as each of the other pilots, + was a small metal tube. This went completely through the floor of the + cockpit, so that, had it been large enough to give good vision, one could + view through it the ground beneath. + </p> + <p> + In a little rack at the right of each scout were several small bombs of + various kinds. Some were intended to set on fire whatever they came in + contact with, being of phosphorus. Others were explosive bombs, pure and + simple, while some were flares, intended to light up the scene at night + and make getting a target easier. + </p> + <p> + Included in the rack of death and destruction was a simple stick; not + unlike a walking cane, and this seemed so comparatively harmless that an + uninitiated observer would almost invariably ask its use. + </p> + <p> + At the lower end of the launching tube, through which the bombs were + dropped, was a “trip,” or sort of catch, that caught on a trigger fastened + to each bomb. The trip pulled the trigger, so to speak, and set in + operation the firing device. + </p> + <p> + In the early days, though doubtless the defect was afterwards corrected, + the bombs sometimes stuck in the launching tube, and as they were likely + to go off in this position at any moment, it was the custom of the pilots + to push them on their way with the cane if the missiles jammed. Hence it + was an essential part of each flying machine's armament. + </p> + <p> + Higher and higher mounted the fighting scouts, with Tom and Jack among + their number. It was necessary to mount very high in order to get above + the Zeppelins, as in this position alone was it possible for the + aeroplanes to fight them to any advantage. The Zeppelins carried many + machine guns of long range, and for the pigmy planes to attack them on the + same level, meant destruction to the smaller craft. + </p> + <p> + There were several German machines in the raid toward Paris, but Tom and + Jack caught sight of only two. The others were either at too great a + height to be observed, or else were farther off, lost in the haze. + </p> + <p> + But the two silver shapes, resembling nothing so much as huge, expensive + cigars, wrapped in tinfoil, were flying on their way, now and then + dropping bombs, which exploded with dull, muffled reports—an earnest + of what they would do when they got over Paris. They were traveling fast, + under the impulse of their own powerful motors and propellers, and also + aided by a stiff breeze. + </p> + <p> + Of course conversation was out of the question among Tom, Jack and the + other aviators, but they knew the general plan of the fight. They were to + get above the Zeppelins—as many of them as could—and drop + bombs on the gas envelope. They were also to attack with machine guns if + possible, aiming at the rudder controls and machinery. It was the great + desire of the Allied commanders to have a Zeppelin brought down as nearly + intact as possible. + </p> + <p> + Up and up climbed the speedy scout machines, and it was seen that some of + them would never get in a position to do any damage. The German craft were + traveling too speedily. But Tom and Jack managed to get to a height of + about twenty thousand feet, which was above the Zeppelins, though by this + time the Germans were in advance of them, for they had climbed at rather a + steep angle. However, they knew their speed was many times that of the + German machine on a straight course. + </p> + <p> + On and on they went. Then came a mist which hid the enemy from sight. The + aviators railed at their luck, and Tom and Jack dropped down a bit, hoping + to get through the mist. It lay below them like a great, gray blanket. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly they fairly plumped through it, and saw, not far away, the two + big silver shapes, shining in the searchlights which were now giving good + illumination. It was a moonlight night, which seemed a favorite for a + German bombing expedition. + </p> + <p> + Far below them, and beneath the Zepplins, Tom and Jack could see the + lights of other aeroplanes, which were flying low to observe lanterns on + the ground, set in the shape of arrows, to indicate in which direction the + German craft were traveling. Later, if necessary, these observing machines + could climb aloft and signal to those higher up. + </p> + <p> + Nearer and nearer Jack and Tom came to one of the Zeppelins. And now, in + the semi-darkness, they became aware that they were being fired at by a + long-range gun on the German craft. The bullets sung about them, but + though their machines were hit several times, as they learned later, they + escaped injury. + </p> + <p> + Now the battle of the air was on in grim and deadly earnest. Several scout + planes flew at the big Zeppelin like hornets attacking a bear. They fired + their machine guns, and the Germans replied in kind, but with more + terrible effect, for two of the Allied planes were shot down. It was a sad + loss, but it was the fortune of war, or, rather, misfortune, for the + Zeppelin was not engaged in a fair fight, but seeking to bomb an + unfortified city. + </p> + <p> + Now Tom and Jack, though somewhat separated, were close above the + Zeppelin, and in a position where they could not be fired at. They began + to drop incendiary bombs through the tubes between their knees. + </p> + <p> + These bombs were fitted with sharp hooks, so that if they touched the gas + bag they would cling fast, and burn until they had ignited the envelope + and the vapor inside. And as they circled about, dropping bomb after bomb, + the two air service boys saw this happen. Some at least of their bombs + reached their target. + </p> + <p> + The great craft, now on fire in several places, was twisting and turning + like some wounded snake, endeavoring to escape. Tom glanced toward the + other Zeppelin and saw that this was fairly well surrounded by aeroplanes, + but was not, as yet, on fire. + </p> + <p> + The bees had fatally stung one great German bear, and, a little later, it + crashed to the ground where it was nearly all consumed, and of its crew of + thirty men, not one was left alive. + </p> + <p> + The other plane, though greatly damaged by machine gun fire, was not set + ablaze, but was forced to turn and sail for the German lines again. So + that two were prevented from bombing Paris. + </p> + <p> + Well satisfied with what they had accomplished, Torn, Jack and the others + who had set the Zeppelin on fire, descended. Later they learned, by word + from Paris, that on of the German machines was shot down over that city + and some of its crew captured. So that though the Huns did considerable + damage with their bombs, they paid dearly for that unlawful expedition. + </p> + <p> + This was the beginning of a series of fierce aerial battles between the + German forces and the Allied airmen, though for a long dine no more + Zeppelins were seen. Sometimes fortune favored the side on which Tom and + Jack fought, and again they were forced to retire, leaving some of their + friends in the hands of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + Once Tom and Tack, keeping close together doing scout work, were cut off + from their companions. They had ventured too far over the Hun lines, and + were in danger of being shot down. But a squadron of airmen from + Pershing's forces made a sortie and drove the Germans to cover, rescuing + the two air service boys from an evil fate. + </p> + <p> + Then followed some weeks of rainy and misty weather, during which there + was very little air work on either side. But the fight on land went on, + with attacks and repulses, the Allies continually advancing their lines, + though ever so little. Slowly but surely they were forcing the Germans + back. + </p> + <p> + Now and then there were night raids, and once Tom and Jack, who had not + flown for a week because of rain, were just back of the lines when a + captured German patrol was brought in, covered with mud and blood. There + had been lively fighting. + </p> + <p> + “I wish we were in on that!” exclaimed Tom. “I'm getting tired of sitting + around.”' + </p> + <p> + “So am I!” agreed Jack. “Let's ask if we can't go out on patrol some + night. It will be better than waiting for it to stop raining.” + </p> + <p> + To their delight their request was granted, as it had been in a number of + other cases of airmen. Temporarily they were allowed to go with the + infantry until the weather cleared. + </p> + <p> + The two air service boys were in the dugout one night, having served their + turns at listening post work and general scouting, when an officer came in + with a slip of paper. He began reading off some names, and when he had + finished, having mentioned Tom and Jack, he said: + </p> + <p> + “Prepare for patrol duty at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” whispered Tom to his chum: “Now there'll be something doing.” + </p> + <p> + He little guessed what it was to be. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. CAPTURED + </h2> + <p> + Silently, in the darkness of their trenches, the party of which Tom and + Jack were to be members, prepared to go over the top and penetrate the + German front line of defense, in the hope of taking prisoners that + information might be had of them. It was a risky undertaking, but one + frequently accomplished by the Allies, and it often led to big results. + </p> + <p> + There were about a score in the patrol, and, to their delight, though they + rather regretted it later, Tom and Jack were given positions well in + front, two files removed, in fact, from the lieutenant commanding. + </p> + <p> + “Now I suppose you all understand what you're to do,” said the lieutenant + as he gathered his little party about him in one of the larger dugouts, + where a flickering candle gave light. “You'll all provide yourselves with + wire cutters, hand grenades and pistols. Rifles will be in the way. Take + your gas masks, of course. No telling when Fritz may send over some of + those shells. Blacken your faces, as usual. A star shell makes a beautiful + light on a white countenance, so don't be afraid of smudging yourselves. + And when we start just try to imagine you are Indians, and make no noise. + One object is to come in contact with some German post, try to hear what's + going on from their talk, and make some captures if we can. Do you all + understand German?” + </p> + <p> + It developed that they did—at least no one would confess he did not + for fear of being turned back. But, as it developed, they all had some, if + slight, acquaintance with the language. + </p> + <p> + A little period of anxious waiting followed—a sort of zero hour + effect—until finally the word was received from some source, unknown + to Tom and Jack, to proceed. The night was black, and there was a mist + over everything which did not augur for clear weather on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + “Forward!” whispered the lieutenant, for they were so near the German + lines that incautious talking was prohibited. Out of their trenches they + went, Tom and Jack well in front, and close to the leader. + </p> + <p> + As carefully as might be, though, at that, making noise which the members + of the patrol thought surely must be heard clear to Berlin, they made + their way over the shell-torn and uncertain ground in the darkness. They + went down between their own lines of barbed wire to where an opening had + been made opposite what was considered a quiet spot in the Hun defenses, + and then they started across “No Man's Land.” + </p> + <p> + It was not without mingled feelings that Tom and Jack advanced, and, + doubtless, their feelings were common to all. There was great uncertainty + as to the outcome. Death or glory might await them. They might all be + killed by a single German shell, or they might run into a German working + party, out to repair the wire cut during the day's firing. In the latter + case there would be a fight—an even chance, perhaps. They might + capture or be captured. + </p> + <p> + On and on they went, treading close together and in single file, making + little noise. Straight across the desolate stretch of land that lay + between the two lines of trenches they went, and, when half way, there + came from the German side a sudden burst of star shells. These are a sort + of war fireworks that make a brilliant illumination, and the enemy was in + the habit of sending them up every night at intervals, to reveal to his + gunners any party of the enemy approaching. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +“Down! Down!” hissed the lieutenant. But he need not have uttered +the command. All had been told what to do, and fell on their faces +literally—their smoke-blackened faces. In this position they resembled, +as nearly as might be, some of the dead bodies scattered about, and that +was their intention. + + Still each one had a nervous fear. The star shells were very +brilliant and made No Man's Land almost as bright as when bathed in +sunshine, a condition that had not prevailed of late. There was no +guarantee that the Germans would not, in their suspicious hate, turn +their rifles or machine guns on what they supposed were dead bodies. In +that case-well, Tom, Jack and the others did not like to think about it. +</pre> + <p> + But the brilliance of the star shells died away, and once more there was + darkness. The lieutenant cautiously raised his head and in a whisper + commanded: + </p> + <p> + “Forward! Is every one all right?” + </p> + <p> + “My mouth's full of mud and water—otherwise I'm all right,” said + some one. + </p> + <p> + “Silence!” commanded the officer. + </p> + <p> + Once more he led them forward. They reached the first German wire, and + instantly the cutters were at work. Though the men tried to make no noise, + it was an impossibility. The wire would send forth metallic janglings and + tangs as it was cut. But an opening was made, and the patrol party filed + through. And then, almost immediately, something happened. + </p> + <p> + There was another burst of star shells, but before the Americans had an + opportunity to throw themselves on their faces, they saw that they were + confronted by a large body of Germans who had come forward as silently as + themselves, and, doubtless, on the same sort of errand. + </p> + <p> + “At 'em, boys! At 'em!” cried the lieutenant. “The Stars and Stripes! At + 'em!” + </p> + <p> + Instantly pandemonium broke loose. In the glaring light of the star shells + the two forces rushed forward. There was a burst of pistol fire, and then + the fight went on in the darkness. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you, Tom?”' yelled Jack, as he flung a grenade full at a big, + burly German who was rushing at him with uplifted gun. + </p> + <p> + “Here!” was the answer, and in the darkness Jack felt his chum collide + with him so forcefully that both almost went down in a heap. “I jumped to + get away from a Hun bayonet,” pantingly explained Tom. + </p> + <p> + Jack's grenade exploded, blowing dirt and small stones in the faces of the + chums. There were shouts and cries, in English, French and German. The + American lieutenant tried to rally his men around him, but, as was + afterward learned, they were attacked by a much larger party of Huns than + their patrol. + </p> + <p> + “We must stick together!” cried Jack to Tom. “If we separate we're lost! + Where are the others?” + </p> + <p> + “Sam Zalbert was with me a second ago,” answered Tom, naming a lad with + whom he and Jack had become quite friendly. “But I saw him fall. I don't + know whether he slipped or was hurt. Look out!” he suddenly shouted. + </p> + <p> + He saw two Germans rushing at him and Jack, with leveled revolvers. There + was no time to get another grenade from their pockets, and Tom did the + next best thing. He made a tackle, football fashion, at the legs of the + Germans, which he could see very plainly in the light of many star shells + that were now being sent up. + </p> + <p> + Almost at the same instant Jack, seeing his chum's intention, followed his + example, and the two Huns went down in a heap, falling over the heads of + their antagonists with many a German imprecation. Their weapons flew from + their hands. + </p> + <p> + “Come on! This is getting too hot for us!” cried Jack, as he scrambled to + his feet, followed by Tom. “There'll be a barrage here in a minute.” + </p> + <p> + This seemed about to happen, for machine guns were spitting fire and death + all along that section of the German front, and the American and French + forces were replying. A general engagement might be precipitated at any + moment. + </p> + <p> + The American lieutenant tried to rally his men, but it was a hopeless + task. The Germans had overpowered them. Tom and Jack started to run back + toward their own lines, having made sure, however, of putting beyond the + power to fight any more the two Germans who had attacked them. + </p> + <p> + “Come on!” cried Tom. “We've got to have reinforcements to tackle this + bunch!” + </p> + <p> + “I guess so!” agreed Jack. + </p> + <p> + They turned, not to retreat, but to better their positions, when they both + ran full into a body of men that seemed to spring up from the very ground + in the sudden darkness that followed an unusually bright burst of star + shells. + </p> + <p> + “What is it? Who are they? What's the matter?” cried Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Give it up!” answered Jack. “Who are you?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + Instantly a guttural German voice cried: + </p> + <p> + “Ah! The American swine! We have them!” + </p> + <p> + In another moment Tom and Jack felt themselves surrounded by an + overpowering number. + </p> + <p> + Hands plucked at them toughly from all sides, and their pistols and few + remaining grenades were taken from them. + </p> + <p> + “Turn back with the prisoners!” cried a voice in German. + </p> + <p> + The two air service boys found themselves being fairly-lifted from their + feet by the rush of their captors. Where they were going they could not + see, but they knew what had happened. + </p> + <p> + They had been captured by the Germans! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. THE CLEW + </h2> + <p> + For one wild instant Tom and Jack, as they admitted to one another + afterward, felt an insane desire to attempt to break away from their + captors, to rush at them, to attack if need be with their bare hands, and + so invite death in its quickest form. They even hoped that they might + escape this way rather than live to be taken behind the German lines. + </p> + <p> + It was not only the disgrace of being captured—which really was no + disgrace considering the overwhelming numbers that attacked them—t + it was the fear of what they might have to suffer as prisoners. + </p> + <p> + Tom and Jack, as well as the others, might well regard with horror the + fate that lay before them. But to escape by even a desperate struggle was + out of the question. They were surrounded by a ring of Germans, several + files deep, and each was heavily armed. Then, too, their captors were + fairly rushing them along over the uneven ground as though fearful of + pursuit. The air service boys had no chance, nor did any of their comrades + of the patrol who might be left alive. How many these were, Tom and Jack + had no means of knowing. They did not see any of their comrades near them. + There were only the Huns who were bubbling over with coarse joy in the + delight of having captured two “American pigs,” as they brutally boasted. + </p> + <p> + Stumbling and half falling, Tom and Jack were dragged along. Now and then + they could see, by means of the star shells, groups of men, some near and + some farther off. There was firing all along the Hun and Allied lines, and + as the boys were dragged along the big guns began to thunder. What had + started as an ordinary night raid might end in a general engagement before + it was finished. + </p> + <p> + There seemed to be fierce lighting going on between the several detached + groups, and the air service boys did not doubt that some word of the + dispersing and virtual defeat of the party they were with had reached + their lines, resulting in the sending out of relief parties. + </p> + <p> + “This sure is tough luck!” murmured Jack to Tom, as they stumbled along in + the midst of their captors. + </p> + <p> + “You said it! If our boys would only rush this bunch and get us away.” + </p> + <p> + “Silence, pigs!” cried a German officer, and with his sword he struck at + Tom, slightly injuring the lad and causing a hot wave of fierce + resentment. + </p> + <p> + “You wouldn't dare do that if I had my hands free, you dirty dog!” rasped + out Tom in fairly good German, and he tugged to free his arms from the + hold of a Hun soldier on either side. + </p> + <p> + The officer who had struck Tom seemed about to reply, for he surged + through the ranks of his men over toward the captive, but a command from + some one, evidently higher in authority halted him, and he marched on, + muttering. + </p> + <p> + There was sharp fighting between the Hun sentries and small parties, and + similar bodies from the American and Allied sides going on along the lines + now, and both armies were sending up rockets and other illuminating + devices. + </p> + <p> + The two Virginia lads felt themselves being hurried forward—or back, + whichever way you choose to look at it—and whither they were being + taken they did not know. The taunts of their captors had ceased, though + the men were talking together in low voices, and suddenly, at something + one of them said, Tom nudged Jack, beside whom he was walking. + </p> + <p> + “Did you hear that?” he asked in so low a voice that it was not heard by + the Hun next him. Or if it was heard, no attention was paid to it, for + Torn spoke in English. The tramp of the heavy boots of the Huns and the + rattle of their arms and accoutrements made noise enough, perhaps, to + cover the sound of his voice. + </p> + <p> + “Did I hear what?” asked Jack. + </p> + <p> + “What that chap said. It was something about one of the German prison + camps having been burned by the prisoners, a lot of whom got away. The + rest were transferred to a place not far from here. Listen!” + </p> + <p> + And the Americans listened to the extent of their ability. + </p> + <p> + Then it was they blessed their lucky stars that they understood enough of + German to know what was being said, for it was then and there that they + got a clew to the whereabouts of Harry Leroy, from whom they had heard not + a word since the dropping of his glove by the German aviator. They did not + even know whether or not their packages had reached their chum. + </p> + <p> + The talk of the Germans who had captured Tom and Jack was, indeed, + concerning the burning of one of the prison camps. As the boys learned + later, the prisoners, unable to stand the terrible treatment, had risen + and set fire to the place. Many of them perished in the blaze and by the + fire of German rifles. The others were transferred to a camp nearer the + battle line as a punishment, it being argued, perhaps, that they might be + killed by the fire of the guns of their own side. + </p> + <p> + “And there are some airmen, too, in the new prison camp,” said one of the + Germans. “Our infantrymen claimed them as their meat, though our airmen + brought them down. But there was no room for them in the prison camp with + the other captured aviators, so The Butcher has them in his charge.” + </p> + <p> + Tom and Jack learned later that “The Butcher” was the title bestowed, even + by his own men, on a certain brutal German colonel who had charge of this + prison camp. + </p> + <p> + Then there came to Tom and Jack in the darkness a curious piece of + information, dropped by casual talk of the Huns. One of them said to + another: + </p> + <p> + “One of the transferred airmen tried to bribe me to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “To bribe you? How and for what?” + </p> + <p> + “He is an accursed American pig, and when he heard we were opposite some + of them, he wanted me to throw a note from him over into the American + lines. He said I would be well paid, and he offered me a piece of gold he + had hidden in the sole of his shoe.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you take it?” + </p> + <p> + “The gold? Of course I did! But I tore up the note he gave me to toss into + the American lines. First I looked at it, though. It was signed with a + French name, though the prisoner claimed to be from the United States. It + was the name Leroy which means, I have been told, the king. Ha! I have his + gold, and the note is scattered over No Man's Land! But I will tell him I + sent it into the trenches of his friends. He may have more notes and + gold!” and the brute chuckled. + </p> + <p> + Tom and Jack, looked at one another in the darkness. Could it be possible + that it was their friend Harry Leroy who was so near to them, since he had + been transferred from a camp far behind the lines? + </p> + <p> + It seemed so. There were not many American airmen captured, and there + could hardly be two of this same rather odd name. + </p> + <p> + “It must be Harry,” murmured Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I think so,” agreed Jack. + </p> + <p> + “Silence, American pigs!” commanded man officer. + </p> + <p> + He raised his sword to strike the lad. But just then occurred an + interruption so tremendous that all thought of punishing prisoners who + dared to speak was forgotten. + </p> + <p> + A big shell rose screaming and moaning from the Allied lines and landed + not far from the party of Germans which was leading along Tom and Jack. It + burst with a tremendous noise well inside the Hug defenses, and this was + followed by a terrific explosion. As the boys learned later the shell had + landed in the midst of a concealed battery—a stroke of luck, and not + due to any good aiming on the part of the American gunner—and the + supply of ammunition had gone up. + </p> + <p> + There was great commotion behind the German lines, and two or three of + Tom's and Jack's captors were thrown down by the concussion. The air + service boys themselves were stunned. + </p> + <p> + And then there suddenly sounded a ringing American cheer, while a voice, + coming from a group of soldiers that confronted the German patrol, cried: + </p> + <p> + “Halt! Who's there? Are there any of Uncle Sam's boys?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes! Yes!” eagerly cried Tom and Jack. “Come on! We're captured by the + Germans!” + </p> + <p> + There was another cheer, followed by a roar of rage, and then came a rush + of feet. Gleaming bayonets glistened in the light of star shells and many + guns, and the members of the German patrol, finding themselves surrounded, + threw down their arms and cried: + </p> + <p> + “Kamerad!” + </p> + <p> + The fortunes of war had unexpectedly turned, and Tom and Jack had been + rescued and saved by a party of Pershing's gallant boys. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. NELLIE'S RESOLVE + </h2> + <p> + “What happened?” + </p> + <p> + “How'd they get you?” + </p> + <p> + “Are you hurt?” + </p> + <p> + These were a few of the questions put to Tom and Jack as they were + surrounded by the rescuing party of their friends, led, it afterward + developed, by the very lieutenant with whom the two air service boys had + started in the patrol across No Man's Land. + </p> + <p> + The German captors had either all surrendered or been killed, and the + tables were most effectively switched around. At first Tom and Jack were + too surprised and overwhelmingly grateful to answer. + </p> + <p> + But they soon understood what had happened. And then they told the story + of their fight against odds until captured. They said nothing just then of + the unexpected information that had come to them about Harry Leroy's + presence in a German camp so comparatively near their own lines. But they + resolved, at the first opportunity, to make use of the information. + </p> + <p> + The shooting of the big guns gradually ceased when it was made manifest + that neither side was ready for a general engagement. The pop-pop of the + machine weapons, too, died away and the star shells ceased rising. + </p> + <p> + “Come on you Fritzies—what's left of you,” cried the lieutenant, + when he had made sure that there were no others of his party whom he could + rescue. + </p> + <p> + Then with Tom and Jack the center of a happy, tumultuous throng of their + own comrades, the trip back to the American lines was begun. It was + without incident save that on the way a wounded British soldier was found + lying in a shell hole and carried in, ultimately to recover. + </p> + <p> + Tom and Jack told what had happened to them, how they had been surrounded + and led away; and then, came the story of the lieutenant who had led the + patrol party which had turned defeat into victory with the aid of + reinforcements which were sent to him. + </p> + <p> + He had seen his hopes blasted when rushed by the big crowd of the Hun + patrol, and, though slightly wounded, he realized that absolute defeat + would come to him and his men unless he could get help. He sent a runner + back with word to send relief, and then, surrounding himself with what few + men remained alive and uncaptured, the fight went on. + </p> + <p> + It was bitter and sanguinary, and at last, with only two men left beside + him, the lieutenant heard the rush of the relief guard. He was placed in + charge, as he knew the lay of the land, and the party hurried to and fro, + wiping up little knots of Germans here and there, until the main body + encountered the squad having in charge the two air service boys. + </p> + <p> + “You began to think it was all up with you, didn't you?” asked the + lieutenant, when they were all once more safely in the dugout. + </p> + <p> + “We certainly did!” admitted Tom. + </p> + <p> + “We had visions of watery soup and wheatless bread for the rest of the + war,” observed Jack. + </p> + <p> + He and Tom were slightly wounded—mere scratches they dubbed the + hurts—but they were sent to the rear to be looked over and bandaged, + as were some of the others who were more severely hurt. There were some + who could not be sent back—who were left in No Man's Land silent + figures who would never take part in a battle again. They had paid their + price toward making the world a better place to live in, and their names + were on the Honor Roll. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do you think about it?” asked Tom of Jack. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know what to think. It seems hardly possible that Harry can be so + near to us, and yet we can't do a thing to help him.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not so sure about that,” returned Tom. “That's what I want to talk + about.” + </p> + <p> + It was a week after the patrol raid, and clear weather had succeeded the + rain and mist, so that it was possible for the aeroplanes to operate. And + their services were much needed. + </p> + <p> + There were preparations going on back of the German lines of which General + Pershing and the Allied commanders needed to be informed. And only the + “eyes” of the armies could see them and report—the eyes being the + aeroplanes. + </p> + <p> + So it came about that, having been relieved of their temporary transfer to + the infantry, Tom and Jack were once more with their comrades of the air. + </p> + <p> + “Well, let's think it over, and talk about it when we come down,” + suggested Jack. “We've got to go upstairs for our usual tour of duty now.” + </p> + <p> + This would last three hours. They were to do scout work—report any + unusual activity back of the German lines, or give warning of the approach + of any hostile aeroplanes. After their tour of duty was ended they would + have the rest of the day to themselves, provided there was no general + attack. Of course if, while they were up, they were attacked, they must + fight. + </p> + <p> + Each lad had a plane to himself, since the young “huns” had all pretty + well passed their novitiate, and were now in the regular flying squad. + Later some other new aviators would report for instruction on the battle + front. + </p> + <p> + Up and up climbed Tom and Jack, and eagerly they scanned the German lines + for any signs of activity. But though there were some Hun planes in the + air, they did not approach to give battle. Possibly some other plans were + afoot. Afterward Tom and Jack admitted to one another that there was a + great temptation to fly over the German trenches to try to get a sight of + the prison that had been spoken of—the camp where Harry Leroy might + be held. + </p> + <p> + But to do this would be in direct violation of their orders, and they + dared not take any risks. For to do so might involve not only themselves + in danger, but others as well. And that view of the matter determined + them. They would have to await their opportunity for rescuing their chum—if + it could be accomplished. + </p> + <p> + Their tour of duty aloft that day was without incident. This is not an + usual condition at times along the long battle front. Men can not go on + fighting without stop, and there come lulls in even the fiercest battle. + Flesh and blood can stand only a certain amount of torture, and then even + the soul rebels. + </p> + <p> + So Tom and Jack drifted peacefully down to their aerodrome, noting that it + was being newly camouflaged, for the recent rain had played havoc with + some of the concealments. + </p> + <p> + As far as possible both the Germans and the Allies tried to conceal the + location of their flying camps. The aeroplanes and balloons needed large + buildings to house them, and such structures made excellent and, of + course, fair war-marks for bombing parties in aeroplanes hovering aloft. + So it was the custom to put up trees and bushes or to stretch canvas over + the aerodromes and paint it to resemble woods and fields in an effort to + conceal, or camouflage, the depots where the airships were stationed. But + this work was done by a special detail of men, and with it Tom and Jack + had nothing to do. + </p> + <p> + They turned their machines over to the mechanics, who would go carefully + over them and have the craft in readiness for the next flight. Then, being + free for several hours, the two young airmen could do as they pleased, + within certain limits. + </p> + <p> + “Well, did anything occur to you?” asked Jack, as he and Tom, having + divested themselves of their heavy fur-lined garments, went to the mess + hall, which was in an old stable, from which the horses had long since + been removed. + </p> + <p> + “You mean a plan to rescue Harry?” + </p> + <p> + “That's it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I'm sorry to say I can't think of a thing,” Tom answered. “I thought + I would, but I didn't. Have you anything to say?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Let's go to Paris.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean to see—er—?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes!” interrupted Jack with a smile. “This is their day off, and we might + as well have a little enjoyment when we can. From the easy time we had + to-day we'll have some hard fighting to-morrow. This was too good to last. + Heinie is up to some mischief, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “Same here.” + </p> + <p> + So, having received permission, they went to Paris, and soon found their + way to the lodgings of Mrs. Gleason, where the air service boys were + welcomed by Bessie and Nellie. + </p> + <p> + Of course the first question had to do with the captive Harry, and to the + delight of Nellie Tom was able to say: + </p> + <p> + “We have news of him, anyhow.” + </p> + <p> + “News? You mean he is all right?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, as all right as he ever can be while the Boches have him, I + suppose,” was the answer. + </p> + <p> + “But the news didn't come direct from him. He's in another camp. I'll tell + you about it.” + </p> + <p> + Tom and Jack, by turns, related what had happened on the night patrol, and + explained how they had overheard talk of Harry. + </p> + <p> + “Then he is nearer than he has been?” asked Nellie. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” admitted Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Won't it be easier to rescue him then?” Bessie queried. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that doesn't follow,” said Jack. “Of course if we could rescue him, + we'd have a shorter distance to bring him, to get him inside our lines. + But it's just as difficult getting beyond the German lines now as it was + before. Tom and I thought we'd come and talk it over, and see if you girls + have anything to suggest. We'll do the rescue work if we only get a + chance, and can find some plan. Have you any?” + </p> + <p> + He asked that question, though he hardly expected an answer. And both he + and Tom, as well as Bessie and her mother, were greatly surprised when + Nellie exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have!” + </p> + <p> + “You have?” cried Tom. “What is it? Tell us, quick!” + </p> + <p> + “I am going to save my brother by offering myself as a prisoner in his + place,” said Nellie with quiet resolve. “That's how I'll save him! I'll + exchange myself for him!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. THE BIG BATTLE + </h2> + <p> + Nellie Leroy rose from, the chair where she had been sitting, and stood + before the little party of her friends, gathered in the little Paris + apartment where Bessie Gleason and her mother made their home when they + were not actively engaged in Red Cross work. The sister of the captive + airman had a quiet but very determined air about her. + </p> + <p> + “That is what I am going to do,” she said, as no one at first answered + what had been a dramatic outbreak. “Perhaps you will tell me best how to + go about it,” and she turned to Tom and Jack. “You know something of the + German lines, and where I can best go to give myself up.” + </p> + <p> + “Why—why, you can't go at all!” burst out Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I can't go?” + </p> + <p> + “No, of course not. You mean all right, Nellie,” went on the young man, + “but it simply can't be done. To give yourself up to the Germans would + mean for yourself not only—Oh, it couldn't be done!” as he thought + of the cruelty of the Huns, not only to the soldiers of the Allied armies + but to helpless women and children. “You couldn't give yourself up to + those brutes!' he cried. + </p> + <p> + “To save my brother I could,” said Nellie simply. “I would do anything for + him!” + </p> + <p> + “I know you would,” murmured Bessie. + </p> + <p> + “But it would just be throwing yourself away!” exclaimed Jack, coming to + the help of his chum, who was gazing helplessly at him in this new crisis. + “Tell her, Mrs. Gleason,” he went on, “that it is utterly impossible, even + if the army authorities would let her. Even if she should give herself up + to the Germans, they wouldn't keep any agreement they made to exchange her + brother. They'd simply keep both of them.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I think they would,” said Mrs. Gleason. “It is out of the question, + my dear,” and gently she laid her hand on the girl's shoulder. “That is + very fine and noble of you, but it would be wrong, for it would not save + your brother, and you would certainly be made a prisoner yourself. And of + the horrors of the German prison—at least some where the infantrymen + have been kept, I dare not tell you. I imagine it must be better where the + airmen are captured,” she went on, for she feared that if she painted too + black a picture of what Harry might suffer his sister would not be held + back by anything, and might sacrifice herself uselessly. + </p> + <p> + “But what am I do?” asked Nellie, helplessly. “I want Harry so much! We + all want him! Oh, isn't there something? Can't you save him?” and she held + out her hands appealingly to Torn and Jack. + </p> + <p> + There was a moment of silence, and then Tom burst out with: + </p> + <p> + “Well, I may as well speak now as later, and I'll tell you what I've made + up my mind to do. Yes, it's a new plan I've worked out,” he went on, as + Jack looked at him curiously. “I haven't told even you, old man, as it + wasn't quite ready yet. But it's a scheme that may succeed, now that we + know definitely where Harry is, from what the German patrol said. He isn't + so far away as when we dropped the packages in the prison camp, though we + don't yet know that he was there at the time we did our stunt. However, if + this new plan succeeds we may have a chance to find out.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” asked Nellie, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “By talking to Harry himself.” + </p> + <p> + “How are you going to do that?” demanded Bessie. + </p> + <p> + “What kind of game have you been cooking up behind my back?” asked Jack. + </p> + <p> + “As desperate as the other, I guess you'll call it,” answered Tom. “But + something has to be done.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, something has to be done,” agreed Jack. “Now what is it?” + </p> + <p> + Tom arose and went to the door. He opened it, looked carefully up and down + the hall, evidently to make sure no one was listening, and then came back + to join the circle of his friends. + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to speak of something that very few know, as yet,” he said, + “and I don't want to take any chances of its getting out. There may be + German spies in Paris, though I guess by this time they're few and + scattering. + </p> + <p> + “I'm not going to tell you how I know,” he said, “but I do know that soon + there is to take place a big battle—that is, it will be big for the + American forces that are to have part in it. There has been a conference + among the Allied commanders, and it has been decided that it's time to + teach the Germans a lesson. They've been despising the American troops, as + they despised General French's 'contemptible little army,' and General + Pershing is going to show Fritz that we have a soldier or two that can + fight.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean there's to be a big offensive?” asked Jack. + </p> + <p> + “No, I wouldn't go so far as to call it a general engagement like that. + It's to be kept within the limits, of the sector where the United States + troops are at present,” said Tom. “That is where you and I are located, + Jack, and that, as you know, is almost opposite the prison where Harry and + the others are confined.” + </p> + <p> + “I begin to see what you are driving at!” cried Nellie, her eyes shining. + “But are you sure of this?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” went on Jack, “how did you bear of this when it's supposed to be + such a secret?” + </p> + <p> + “It came to me by accident,” said Torn, “and I wouldn't speak of it to any + one but you. Soon, however, it will be more or less public on our side, as + it will have to be when we start to get ready. But it's to be kept a + secret from Fritz as long as possible. It's to be a surprise attack, and + if it doesn't develop into a big battle it won't be the fault of Uncle + Sam's boys.” + </p> + <p> + “Will the air service have any part in it?” asked Jack eagerly, as if + fearing he might be left out. + </p> + <p> + “I don't see how they can get along without us,” said Tom. “Not that we're + the whole works, but it is well established now that an army can't fight + without the use of aeroplanes, to tell not only what the other side is + doing, but also how our own guns are shooting. Oh, we'll be in it all + right!” + </p> + <p> + “When?” asked Jack. + </p> + <p> + “That I can't say,” replied his chum. “But now to get down to the thing + that concerns us, or rather, Harry. I have a scheme—and you can call + it wild if you like—that when the battle is going on, you and I, + Jack, and some other airmen if we can induce them to do it, and I think we + can, may be able to drop bombs near the prison camp. We'll have to judge + our distances pretty carefully, or we'll do more harm than good. Then, if + all goes well, and we can blow down some of the camp walls or fences, and + if the battle favors our side, we can make a descent on enemy territory + and rescue Harry and any others that are with him. What do you think of + that plan?” + </p> + <p> + “It's wonderful!” exclaimed Nellie, glaring at Tom with a strange, new + light in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “It's very daring,” said Bessie, more calmly. + </p> + <p> + “It's crazy!” burst out Jack + </p> + <p> + “I thought you'd say that,” commented Tom calmly, “and I'd have been + disappointed if you hadn't. And just because it is crazy it may succeed. + But it's the only thing I can think of. Daring will get you further in + this war then anything else. You've got to take big chances anyhow, and + the bigger the better, I say.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm with you there all right,” agreed Jack. “But to land in hostile + territory—it hasn't been done ten times since the war began, and + have the aviator live to get away with it!” + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” said Tom, quietly. “But this may be the eleventh successful + time. Now that's my plan for rescuing Harry Leroy. If any of you have a + better one let's hear it.” + </p> + <p> + No one answered, and finally Nellie spoke. + </p> + <p> + “No,” she said, with a shake of her head, “it's very fine and noble of you + boys, but I can't allow it. If you wouldn't let me give myself up—exchange + myself for Harry, I can't let you give your lives for him this way. It + wouldn't be fair. It would be depriving the Allies of two valuable + fighters, to possibly get back one, and the possibility is so slim that—well, + it's suicidal!” she exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Not so much so as you think,” said Tom. “I've got it all figured out as + far as possible. And as for landing in hostile territory, if all goes + well, and the big battle progresses as Pershing and his aides think it + will, maybe we won't have to land in hostile territory at all. We may + drive the Germans back, and then the prison will be within our lines.” + </p> + <p> + “That's so!” cried Jack. “I didn't think of feat. Tom, old man, maybe your + scheme isn't as crazy as I thought! Anyhow, I'm in it with you. The only + thing is—will this big battle take place?” + </p> + <p> + “'It will unless the Germans decide to surrender between now and the day + set,” Tom answered grimly, “and I hardly believe they'll do that. It's a + going to be some fight!” + </p> + <p> + “Glad of it!” cried Jack. “Now we've got something to live for!” As if he + and Tom did not risk their lives every day to make life in the civilized + world something worth living for. + </p> + <p> + “Well, we must be getting back!” exclaimed Tom, as he looked at his watch. + “All leaves will be stopped in a few days—just before we start + preparations for the big battle. If we can we'll see you once more before + then.” + </p> + <p> + “And afterward?” inquired Nellie, softly and pleadingly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and afterward, too!” exclaimed Tom. “And we'll bring Harry back with + us. Now good-bye!” + </p> + <p> + It was a more solemn farewell than the friends had taken in some time, for + all felt the impending events, and Tom and Jack talked but little during + the return trip from Paris to their headquarters. + </p> + <p> + What Tom had said about the big battle was strictly true. It had been + decided in high quarters that it was time the newly arrived American + soldiers showed what they could do. That they could fight fiercely and + well was not a question, it was only a matter of getting them familiar + with the different conditions to be met with on the European battlefields, + against a ruthless foe. + </p> + <p> + Tom and Jack had a chance for one more hasty, flying visit to Paris, and + then all leave was withdrawn, and there began in and about the American + camp such a period of tense and intensive work as bore out what Tom had + said. The big battle was impending. + </p> + <p> + Great stores were accumulated of rations and munitions. Great guns were + brought up into position and skillfully camouflaged. Machine guns in great + numbers were prepared and a number of aeroplanes were brought from other + sectors and made ready for the flying fight. + </p> + <p> + “How are your plans coming on?” asked Jack of Tom, at the close of a day + when it seemed that every one's nerves were on edge from the strain of + preparing. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” was the answer. “I've spoken to a number of the boys, and + they're with me. You know we're pretty much 'on our own,' when we're + flying, and I think that we can drop the bombs and make a descent long + enough to pick up Harry and other refugees if we break open the prison.” + </p> + <p> + “But suppose we land, stall the engines and the Germans surround us?” + </p> + <p> + “That mustn't happen,” said Tom. “We won't stall the engines for one + thing. We'll just have to drop down, and taxi around as well as we can + until we pick up Harry, or until he sees us. The machines will carry three + as well as two, and even if we have, by some mischance to go up in + singles, they'll carry double. But I figured on your being with me. Harry + knows enough of the game to be on the lookout when he hears the bombs drop + and sees the planes hovering over him, and he'll tip off the others to be + ready for a rescue. + </p> + <p> + “Of course I don't say we can get 'em all, and maybe something will happen + that we can't get Harry away. But I think we'll teach Fritz a lesson, and + I think we can break up the prison camp so some of the poor fellows can + get away. As I said, it's a desperate chance, but one we've got to take.” + </p> + <p> + “And I'm with you!” exclaimed Jack. “And now when does the big battle take + place?” + </p> + <p> + He was answered a moment later, for an orderly arrived with instructions + to the air service boys to report at their hangars at once. + </p> + <p> + There they were told something of the impending attack—the first + public mention of it, though more than one had guessed something unusual + was in the air from the tenseness of the last few days. + </p> + <p> + The attack was to start at dawn the next morning, preceded by an intense + artillery fire. It was to be the fiercest rain of shells since the + Americans had come to the front lines. Then the infantry, supported by + tanks and aeroplanes, would follow, going over in waves which it was hoped + would overwhelm the Germans. + </p> + <p> + That night was a tense one. Suppose the enemy had guessed, or a spy had + given word of the impending battle? Then success would be jeopardized. But + the night passed with only the usual exchange of shots and the sending up + of star shells over No Man's Land. + </p> + <p> + And so, as the hour of dawn approached, the tense and nervous feeling + grew. Tom and Jack, with their comrades in their hangars, were dressed in + their fur garments and ready. Their machines had received the last touches + from the hands of the mechanics, and each one was well equipped with bombs + and machine gun ammunition. Tom and Jack were to be allowed to go up + together in a big double bombing plane. + </p> + <p> + The night passed. The hour approached. Anxious eyes watched the hands of + watches slowly revolve. + </p> + <p> + Then suddenly, as if the very earth had been blasted away from beneath + them, the batteries of big guns belched forth fire, smoke and shell. + </p> + <p> + The great battle was on! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. SILENCING THE GERMAN GUNS + </h2> + <p> + Engagements in the World War were on such a vast scale that it was + difficult for a single observer to give a word picture of them. All he + could see, stationed behind the lines, was a vast cataclysm of smoke and + fire, and his ears were deafened by so vast a sound that it was comparable + to nothing on this earth ever heard before. + </p> + <p> + An observer in the air was little better off, save for that portion + directly beneath him, and even that he could not see very much of, on + account of the smoke and dust. If he looked to the left or the right, or + backward or forward, he was at the disadvantage of distance. + </p> + <p> + To him, then, great columns of infantry appeared only as crawling worms, + and batteries of artillery merely patches of woods whence belched fire and + smoke. That he must keep high in the air when over the enemy's lines went + without saying, for he would be fired at if he came too low. So then, even + an airman's vision was limited when it came to describing a great battle. + </p> + <p> + Of course he always did what he was assigned to do. He kept in contact, or + in communication, with his own certain batteries, or his infantry + division, directing the shots of the former and the advance of the latter. + So, really, he had little time to observe anything save the effect of the + firing of his own side on a certain limited objective. + </p> + <p> + As for the soldiers in battle, they are, of course, unable to observe + anything except that which goes on immediately in their neighborhood. The + artilleryman fires his gun under the direction of some observer, often far + away, who telephones to him to lower or elevate his piece, or deflect it + to the tight or left. The infantryman advances as the barrage lifts, and + rushes forward according to orders, firing or using his bayonet as the + case may be, digging in when halted, and waiting for another rush forward. + The machine gunner and his squad aim to put as many of the advancing, + retreating, or standing enemy out of the fighting as possible, and to save + themselves. + </p> + <p> + The truck men hasten up with loads of ammunition, fortunate if they are + not sent to their death in the drive. The stretcher bearers look for the + wounded and hasten back with them. + </p> + <p> + So, all in all, no single person can observe more than a very small part + of the great battle. It is really like looking through a microscope at + some organism, while the whole great body lies beyond the field of vision. + </p> + <p> + Only the general staff-the officers in their headquarters far behind the + lines, who receive reports as to how this division or corps is retreating + or advancing—can have any real conception of the big battle, and + these persons may see it only at a distance. + </p> + <p> + So the usual process of things in general is reversed, and the person + farthest removed from the fighting may really see, or rather know, most + about it. + </p> + <p> + And so with a storm of shot and shell, manmade thunders and lightnings, + and bolts of death from the earth below and the air above, the great + battle opened and advanced. + </p> + <p> + It progressed just as other battles had progressed. There was a terrific + artillery preparation, which took the Germans evidently by surprise, for + the response was long in coming, and then it was not in proportion. After + the great cannon had done their best to level the big guns on the German + side, a barrage, or curtain of fire was started, and behind this, which + was in reality a falling hail of bullets, the Americans and their + supporting French and British comrades advanced. The curtain of steel was + to kill or push back the Germans, and to make it safe for the Americans to + go forward. By elevating the small guns the curtain fell farther and + farther into the enemy's territory, thus making it possible for the Allies + to go on farther and farther across No Man's Land. + </p> + <p> + The infantry rushed forward, fighting and dying nobly in a noble cause. + Position after position was consolidated as the Germans fell back before + the rain of shot and shell. It is always this way in an offensive, small + or large. The first rush of the attacking side, be it German, French, + British, or American, carries everything before it. It is the counter + attack that tells. If the attackers are strong enough to hold what they + gain, well and good. If not—the attack is a failure. + </p> + <p> + But this one—the first great attack of the Americans—was not + destined to fail, though once it trembled in the balance. + </p> + <p> + Tom and Jack, with their companions, had flown aloft, and, taking the + stations assigned to them, did their part in the battle. As the light grew + with the break of day, they could see the effect of the American big guns. + It was devastating. And yet some German batteries lived through it. + Several times Tom and Jack, by means of their wireless, sent back + corrections so that the American pieces might be aimed more effectively. + Below them was a maelstrom—an indescribable chaos of death and + destruction. They only had glimpses of it—glimpses of a seemingly + inextricable mixture of men and guns. + </p> + <p> + And through it all, though they did not for a moment neglect their duty, + bearing in mind their instructions to keep in contact with the batteries + they served, Tom Raymond and Jack Parmly were eagerly seeking for a sight + of the prison where Harry Leroy might be held. At one time after they had + dropped bombs on some German positions, thereby demolishing them, Tom, who + was acting as pilot, signaled to his chum that he was going far over the + enemy's lines to try to locate the prison. + </p> + <p> + Jack nodded an acquiescence. It was not entirely against orders what they + were about to do. They might obtain valuable information, and it would + take only a short time, so speedy was their machine. Then too, they had + used up all their bombs, and must return for more. Before doing this they + wished to make an observation. + </p> + <p> + Luck was with them. They managed to pass over a comparatively quiet sector + of the lines where the German resistance had been wiped out, and where, + even as they looked down, Americans were digging in and guns were being + brought up to support them. + </p> + <p> + And not many kilometers inside the German positions from this point, they + sailed over a prison camp. They, knew it in an instant, and felt sure it + must be the one spoken of by the German who had taken Leroy's gold and + then betrayed him. + </p> + <p> + “That's the place!” cried Tom, though of course Jack could not hear him. + “Now to bomb it and set Harry free!” + </p> + <p> + But they must return for more ammunition, and this they set about doing. + They wished they might drop some word to the prisoners confined there, + stating that help might soon be on its way to them, but they had no chance + to send this cheering word. + </p> + <p> + Back they rushed to their own lines, and no sooner had they landed than an + orderly rushed up to them and instructed them to report immediately to + their commanding officer. + </p> + <p> + “Boys, you're just in time!” he cried, all dignity or formality having + been set aside in the excitement of the great battle. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “We want you to silence some big German guns—a nasty battery of them + that's playing havoc with our boys. The artillery hasn't been able to + locate 'em—probably they're too well camouflaged. And we can't + advance against 'em. Will you go up and try to put them out of business?” + </p> + <p> + Of course there could be but one answer to this. Tom and Jack hurried off + to see to the loading of their machine with bombs—an extra large + number of very powerful ones being taken. + </p> + <p> + Once more they were off on their dangerous mission, for it was dangerous, + since many American planes were brought down by German fire that day, and + by attacks from other Hun machines. + </p> + <p> + But Tom and Jack never faltered. Up and up they went, the probable + location of the guns having been made known to them on the map they + carried. Up and onward they went. For a time they must forego the chance + of rescuing their friend. + </p> + <p> + Straight for the indicated place they went, and just as they reached it + there came a burst of fire and smoke. It appeared to roll out from a + little ravine well wooded on both sides, and that accounted for the + failure of the Americans to locate it. Chance had played into the hands of + the air service boys. + </p> + <p> + There was no need of word between Tom and Jack. The former headed the + plane for the place whence the German guns had fired upon the Americans, + killing and wounding many. + </p> + <p> + Over it, for an instant, hovered the aeroplane. Then Jack touched the bomb + releasing device. Down dropped the powerful explosive. + </p> + <p> + There was a great upward blast of air which rocked the machine in which + sat the two aviators. There was a burst of smoke and flame beneath them, + tongues of fire seeming to reach up as though to pull them down. + </p> + <p> + Then came a terrific explosion which almost deafened the boys, even though + their ears were covered with the fur caps, and though their own engine + made a pandemonium of sound. + </p> + <p> + The air was filled with flying debris—debris of the German guns and + men. The bombs dropped by Tom and Jack had accomplished their mission. The + harassing battery was destroyed. The German guns were silenced. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. THE RESCUE + </h2> + <p> + Tom and Jack circled around slowly over the place where the German battery + had been. It was now no more—it could work no more havoc to the + American ranks. It did not need the wireless news to this effect, which + the aviators sent back, to apprise the Allies of what had happened. They + had seen the harassing guns blown up. + </p> + <p> + Now out swarmed the Americans, charging with savage yells over the place + that had been such a hindrance to their advance. Tom and Jack had done + their work well. + </p> + <p> + There was no need for the one to tell the other what was in his mind. + There were still two of the powerful bombs left, and there was but one + thought on this matter. They must be used to blow up, if possible, the + camp near the German prison. Doing that would create havoc and + consternation enough, the air service boys thought, to drive the captors + away, and enable Leroy and his fellow prisoners to be saved. + </p> + <p> + Jack punched Tom in the back and motioned for him to shut off the motor a + moment so that talking would be possible. Tom did this, and Jack cried: + </p> + <p> + “Shall we take a chance?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes!” Tom answered in return. + </p> + <p> + Strictly speaking, having accomplished the mission they were sent out on, + they should have returned to their base for orders. But the airmen were + given more liberty of action and decision than any other branch of the + Allied service. + </p> + <p> + “Go to it!” cried Jack, and once more Tom started the motor and headed the + craft for the Hun prison. + </p> + <p> + Again the air service boys were hovering over the prison camp. They could + now see that there was much more activity around it than there had been + before the big battery was destroyed. The fight was coming closer, and the + Germans evidently knew it. Whether they were trying to arrange to take + their captives farther back, or merely seeking to escape themselves from a + trap, was not then evident. + </p> + <p> + And, having reached a position where they could see below them what looked + to be a concentration of German guns, perhaps to fire on any force that + might advance against the prison. Jack let fall one of his two remaining + bombs. + </p> + <p> + It swerved to one side, and though it exploded with great force, and + created havoc and consternation among the Huns, it did not fall where it + was intended. The second battery was still intact. + </p> + <p> + “My last shot!” grimly mused Jack, as he looked at the other bomb. + </p> + <p> + Tom maneuvered the aeroplane until he had it about where he thought Jack + would want it. The latter pressed the releasing lever and the bomb + descended. It was the most powerful of the lot, and when it struck and + exploded it not only demolished the defensive battery, making a hole in + the place where it had stood, but it tore down part of the prison fence, + and made such destruction generally that the Germans were stunned. + </p> + <p> + Instantly, seeing that all had been accomplished that was possible, and + noting that hovering around him were other Allied airmen who had agreed to + help in the rescue, Tom sent his craft down. There was a burst of shrapnel + around him and Jack, but though the latter was grazed by a bullet, neither + was seriously hurt. A Hun plane darted down out of the sky to attack the + bold Americans, but quickly it was engaged by a supporting Allied craft. + However, the Hun was a good fighter, and won the battle against this + antagonist. But when two other Allied planes closed in, that was the last + of the enemy. He was sent crashing down to satisfy the vengeance in toll + for the life of the birdman he had taken. + </p> + <p> + Now Tom and Jack could see that their plan had worked better than they had + dared to hope. The boldness of the attack from the air, coupled with the + advance of the American army, started a panic in the German ranks. They + began a retreat and the regiments near the prison camp were included in + the rout. + </p> + <p> + By this time either some of the prisoners saw that there was a break in + the cordon around them, or they realized that a great battle was putting + their guards to flight, for some of them made a rush toward a side where + there were no Germans, and succeeded in breaking out—no hard task + since part of the fence was shattered by the explosion. + </p> + <p> + “Now's our chance,” cried Tom, though of course Jack could not hear this. + “Harry may be among that bunch, and we want to get him and any others we + can save.” + </p> + <p> + He started the aeroplane on its downward path, while Jack, guessing the + object, got the machine gun ready for action, since there might be a squad + of Germans ready to give battle on the ground. + </p> + <p> + Several other planes of the Allies, seeing what was going on, swooped to + the aid of the two Americans, for there were no other of the Hun craft + within sight now. All had been sent crashing down, or had drawn off. + </p> + <p> + On either side of the immediate sector which included the prison camp, the + battle was still raging fiercely, mostly with success on the side of the + Americans, though in places they suffered a temporary setback. + </p> + <p> + In the vicinity of the prison itself wild scenes were now being enacted. + The prisoners were beginning to rise in force, for they saw freedom + looming before them. There were fights between them and the guards, and + terrible happenings took place, for the guards were armed and the + prisoners were not. But as fast as some of the Germans fell they were + stripped of their guns and ammunition, and the weapons turned by the + prisoners against their former captors. + </p> + <p> + All this while Tom and Jack were descending in their plane. As yet they + were uncertain whether they were to be able to rescue Leroy or not. They + could not distinguish him at that height, though from the enthusiastic + manner in which several of the newly liberated ones waved at the on-coming + aeroplanes, it would seem that they were of that arm of the service, and + appreciated what was about to happen. + </p> + <p> + Nearer and nearer to the ground flew Tom and Jack. And then, to their + horror, they saw that several Germans had set up two machine guns to rake + the prison yard, which was still filled with excited captives. The Germans + were determined that as few as possible of their late captives should find + freedom. + </p> + <p> + Tom acted on the instant, by sending the plane in a different direction, + to enable Jack to use his machine gun. And Jack understood this, for, with + a shout of defiance, he turned his weapon on the closely packed Germans + around their machine guns. + </p> + <p> + For a moment they stood and some even tried to swerve the guns about to + shatter the dropping aeroplane. But Jack's fire was too fierce. He wiped + out the nest, and this danger was averted. + </p> + <p> + A moment later Tom had the machine to earth, and it ran along the uneven + and shell-torn ground, coming to a rest not far from what had been the + outer fence of the prison camp. A group of Allied captives, newly freed, + rushed forward. Tom and Jack, removing their goggles, looked eagerly for a + sight of Harry Leroy. They did not see him, but they saw that which + rejoiced them, and this was more aeroplanes coming to their aid, and also + a column of infantry on the march across a distant valley. The stars and + stripes were in the van, and at this the rescuers and the prisoners set up + a cheer. It meant that the Germans were beaten at that point. + </p> + <p> + “Where's Harry Leroy? Is he among the prisoners?” cried Jack to several of + the liberated ones who crowded around the machine. There would be no + question now of trying to save some one, a rush by mounting to the air + with him. The advance of the Americans and the Allies was sufficiently + strong to hold the prison position wrested from the Germans. + </p> + <p> + “Was Harry Leroy among you?” asked Tom, of the joy-crazed prisoners. Many + were Americans, but there were French, Italian, Russian, Belgian and + British among the motley throng. + </p> + <p> + Before any one could answer him there was a hoarse shout, and from some + place where they had been hiding a squad of German soldiers rushed at the + group of recent prisoners about Tom and Jack. Their guns had bayonets + fixed, and it was the evident purpose of the Huns to make one last rush on + the prisoners near the aeroplane to kill as many as possible. + </p> + <p> + The Germans were a sufficiently strong force, and none of these prisoners + was armed. They began to scatter and run for shelter, and Torn and Jack + became aware that matters were not to be as easy as they had expected. + </p> + <p> + But fortunately the fixed machine gun on the aeroplane, which was near the + pilot's seat, pointed straight at the oncoming Huns. With a cry Tom sprang + to the cockpit and quickly had the weapon spitting bullets at the foe. + Then Jack saw his chance, and, climbing up to his seat, he swung his gun + about so that it, too, raked the Germans. + </p> + <p> + They came on with the desperation and courage of despair, but the steady + firing was at last too much for them. They broke and ran—what were + left of them alive—in what was a veritable rout, and this ended the + last danger for that immediate time and place. + </p> + <p> + Other aeroplanes dropped down to help consolidate the victory, and the + explosion of some American shells at a point beyond the prison camp told + its own story. The artillery had moved up to keep pace with the advancing + infantry. The big battle had been won by Pershing's men, and the air + service boys had not only done their share, but they had been instrumental + in delivering a number of prisoners. + </p> + <p> + As the last of the Germans fled and Tom and Jack leaned back, well nigh + exhausted by the strain of the fighting, a voice cried: + </p> + <p> + “Good work, old scouts! I knew you'd come for me sooner or later. At least + I hoped you would!” + </p> + <p> + They turned to see Harry Leroy walking slowly toward them. + </p> + <p> + Harry Leroy it was, but wounds, illness, and imprisonment had worked a + terrible change in him. He was but the ghost of his former sturdy self. + Still it was their chum and the brother of Nellie Leroy, and Tom and Jack + knew they had kept the promise made to the sister. They had effected the + rescue which the offensive made possible. + </p> + <p> + “Hurray!” cried Tom. “It's really you then, old scout!” + </p> + <p> + “What's left of me—yes. Oh, but it's good to see the flag again!” + and he pointed to the colors on the aeroplane and on the advancing banners + of the infantry. “And it's good to see you again! I'd about given up, and + so had most of us, when we heard the shooting and knew something was going + on. But how did it happen? How did you get here, and how did you know I + was here?” + </p> + <p> + “Go easy!” advised Tom with a grin. “One question at a time. Can you ride + in our bus? If you can we'll take you back with us. The others will be + taken care of soon, I fancy, for our boys will soon be in permanent + occupation here. Will you come back with us?” + </p> + <p> + “Will I? Say, I'll come if I have to hitch on behind, like a can to a + dog's tail!” cried Leroy, and, weak and ill-nourished as he was, it was + evident that the sight of his former comrades had already done him much + good. + </p> + <p> + So now that the position was well won by the Americans and the Allies, Tom + and Jack turned their machine about, wheeled it to a good taking off + place, and with Harry Leroy as a passenger, though it made the place + rather crowded, they flew back over the recent battleground, and to their + own aerodrome, where Harry and some other prisoners, brought through the + air by other birdmen, were well taken care of. + </p> + <p> + The great battle was not yet over, for there was fighting up and down the + line, and in distant sectors. But it was going well for Pershing's forces. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” remarked Harry, when he had had food and had washed and had + begun to smoke, “tell me all about it.” He was in the quarters assigned to + Tom Raymond and Jack Parmly, being their guest. + </p> + <p> + “Well, there isn't an awful lot to tell,” Tom said, modestly enough. “We + heard you were in trouble, and came after you; that's all. How did you + like your German boarding house?” + </p> + <p> + “It was fierce! Terrible! I can't tell you what it means to be free. But + I'd like to send word to my folks that I'm all right. I suppose they have + heard I was a prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Tom. “In fact, you can talk to one of the family soon. + That is, as soon as you can go to Paris.” + </p> + <p> + “Talk to a member of the family? Go to Paris? What do you mean?” Harry + fairly shouted the words. + </p> + <p> + “Your sister Nellie is staying with friends of ours,” said Tom. “We'll + take you to her.” + </p> + <p> + “Nellie here? Great Scott! She said she was coming to the front, but I + didn't believe her! Say, she is some sister!” + </p> + <p> + “You said it!” exclaimed Tom, with as great fervor as Harry used. + </p> + <p> + “Didn't you get the bundles we dropped?” asked Jack. “The notes and the + packages of chocolate?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a one,” 'replied Harry. “I was looking for some word, but none came, + after one of the airmen told me he had dropped my glove. But I knew how it + was—you didn't get a chance to send any word.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but we did!” cried Tom, and then he told of the dropping of the + packages. + </p> + <p> + But, as Leroy related, he had been transferred from that camp a few days + before. + </p> + <p> + Two of the packets fell among the prisoners, who, after trying in vain to + send them to Harry, partook of the good things to eat, which they much + needed themselves. They were given to the ill prisoners, and the notes + were carefully hidden away. Some time after the war Harry received them, + and treasured them greatly as souvenirs. + </p> + <p> + “But we didn't make any mistake this time,” said Tom. “We have you now.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” agreed Harry with a smile, “you have me now, and mighty glad I am + of it.” + </p> + <p> + A few days later, when Harry was better able to travel, he went to see + Nellie in Paris, a message having been sent soon after the big battle, to + tell her that he was rescued and as well as could be expected. + </p> + <p> + “But if it hadn't been for Tom and Jack I don't believe I'd be there now,” + said Harry to his sister, as he sat in the homelike apartment of the + Gleasons. + </p> + <p> + “I know you wouldn't,” said Nellie. “They said they'd rescue you and they + did. We shall never be able to thank them enough—but we can try!” + </p> + <p> + She looked at Tom, and he—well, I shall firmly but kindly have to + insist that what followed is neither your affair nor mine. + </p> + <p> + And now, though you know it as well as I do, my story has come to an end. + At least the present chronicle of the doings of the air service boys has + nothing further to offer. Their further adventures will be related in + another volume to be entitled: “Air Service Boys Flying for Victory.” + </p> + <p> + But it was not the end of the fighting, and Tom and Jack did not cease + their efforts. Harry Leroy, too, was eager to get back into the contest + again, and he did, as soon as he had sufficiently recovered. + </p> + <p> + He told some of his experiences while a prisoner among the Germans, and + some things he did not tell. They were better left untold. + </p> + <p> + However, I should like to close my story with a more pleasant scene than + that, and so I invite your attention, one beautiful Sunday morning to + Paris, when the sun was shining and war seemed very far away, though it + was not. Two couples are going down a street which is gay with flower + stands. There are two young men and two girls, the young men wear the + aviation uniforms of the Americans. They walk along, chatting and + laughing, and, as an aeroplane passes high overhead, its motors droning + out a song of progress, they all look up. + </p> + <p> + “That's what we'll be doing to-morrow,” observed Tom Raymond. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” agreed Jack Parmly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, hush!” laughed one of the girls. “Can't you stay on earth one day?” + </p> + <p> + And there on earth, in such pleasant company, we will leave the Air + Service Boys. + </p> + <p> + THE END <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Air Service Boys in the Big Battle, by +Charles Amory Beach + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AIR SERVICE BOYS IN THE BIG BATTLE *** + +***** This file should be named 6458-h.htm or 6458-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/6/4/5/6458/ + +Produced by Sean Pobuda, and David Widger + + +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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