Part 8 (1/2)

If Byers says anything, give him to understand you are in it from the word go, but no more. We'll win out again. Hear me?”

For reply, Erwin shook his released fingers, regarded Blaine with mock reproach, and volunteered:

”I'll agree to everything after that grip, I'm with you to the death.

But don't do that again.”

Blaine laughed gleefully as he turned away, patting Orris on the shoulder approvingly.

”I always thought you were a sticker, Orry.”

”That's better 'n being a slicker or a slacker, isn't it?”

Again the big fellow laughed as he hurried off towards the Captain's quarters at the far end of the grounds.

The day pa.s.sed quietly. From time to time, Blaine held private conferences with various members of the flying squad. These were mostly Americans who had either served a year or two at the western front, or were more recent arrival who had joined because of special apt.i.tude for flying.

During the day sundry scouts penetrated here and there over the enemy lines and their report were favorable for the plan Blaine had in mind.

A risky plan, yet promising well if skillfully carried out.

Towards night he had a last conference with Byers, who had more than hesitated over the proposed program, yet gave in before the Sergeant's enthusiasms.

”I agree,” said the commander. ”But it is risky. It can be done. Yet whether you are the man to do it -- well, we'll know in the morning.

Do your best. Be prudent; not too prudent; but at the same time try to be wise to things as they come up. Remember I have more responsibility than you. Your responsibility is only to me. It ceases where mine begins.”

”Don't fear, Captain. Let what Erwin and I did the other night be duly considered. I need your full support --”

”Young man, you have it!” Here Byers took Blaine's hand and shook it heartily. ”Bring back as many of your squad as you can, but above all carry out your program.”

Night came, and with it a comfortable fog that rose white and misty, good for the purpose in hand. The clocks were pointing towards seven when something like a dozen men, wearing the regulation uniform, gathered at the usual open s.p.a.ce, while from the doors of several hangars mechanics were silently rolling out machines.

Each aviator gave a few comprehensive looks and touches to his own plane, just to rea.s.sure himself that things were all right. Then came a brief moment or two of silent waiting. There were no, spectators.

Even the rest of the men at the aerodrome did not appear. This was according to orders.

Out in front stood Captain Byers, attended by Blaine and Erwin, talking in low, indistinct tones. Finally Byers looked at his watch.

”Time's up, I guess. Do your best, you two. You, Blaine, will veer to the right as you approach the enemy trenches. You, sir,” to Orris, ”will draw to the left. Your squads will follow their respective leaders. Should you meet opposition before you reach the balloons, don't flinch. Pour on more speed. Don't signal unless necessary but obey signals when given. Au revoir, lads! Don't come back until you have delivered the goods.”

Back went the Sergeant and Corporal, each to his own machine, which headed a short double line holding six planes, or a dozen in all.

At a quiet signal the leaders rose, spiraling into the upper darkness.

Presently all had vanished, zigzagging in an easterly direction. About this time there came a sudden blue flare as a solitary rocket shot upward from beyond the grove of trees that that marked the landing place within the enclosed area that formed this aerodrome.

Instantly Byers was on the qui vive, he being nearest the point indicated by the blue flare. Bursting into a full run, he sped towards the spot, at the same time breaking in on several sentries un.o.btrusively posted about the grounds where the raiders had departed.

”Scatter lads!” he ordered. ”Hurry! Spies at work! Halt any one you see, no matter who! Bring 'em in!”

Never halting in his race, he made directly for the spot whence the flare of the rocket had gone up. As he neared the trees, the sounds of a child's voice came to his ears, just inside the grove. It was remonstrating to some one.