Part 10 (2/2)
Presently the machines began to loop and make spirals, and then both sank gently upon the gra.s.sy turf in the center of the glade. A man stepped forth from the seat in each machine and saluted Lannes, as if he were a commander. Lannes returned the salute promptly and gracefully.
”We saw the fiery signal, lieutenant,” said one of the men in French, as he took off his great gla.s.ses, ”and we came as fast as we could.”
”I knew that you would do so, Castelneau,” said Lannes, ”and I knew that Mery would be as prompt.”
The two aviators bowed with evident gratification, and Castelneau said:
”We are proud of praise that comes from the most daring and skillful airman in France, which means in this case the world. We thank you, Lieutenant Lannes.”
Lannes blushed and said: ”You overrate me, Castelneau.”
John glanced at him. And, so this youth with the easy manner and the wonderful eyes was the greatest of all flying men! John's own mind was not mechanical, but his glance became a gaze of admiration. What a mighty achievement it was to cleave the air like a bird, and leave the whole solid earth beneath. One, in fact, did leave the world and hang in s.p.a.ce. For the moment, he thought more of the wonder than of its bearing upon his own fortunes.
He glanced down at the machines resting on the gra.s.s. Their motors were still throbbing, and in the dimness they looked like the rocs of Arabian mythology, resting after a gigantic flight. In truth, everything had taken on for John an aspect of unreality. These men were unreal, Lannes and he were unreal, and it was an unreal world, in which nothing but unrealities moved.
”My new friend is an American,” said Lannes, ”and he's to be trusted, since his own life as well as ours is at stake. Monsieur John Scott, Messieurs Gaston Castelneau and August Mery. John, these are two skillful and valued members of the French flying corps. I want you to shake hands with brave men.”
John gladly shook their gloved hands.
”Castelneau, and you, Mery, listen,” said Lannes, and again his voice took on that dramatic ring, while his figure seemed to swell in both size and stature. ”It is here! It has come, and the whole world will shake beneath its tread!”
”The war!” they exclaimed with one voice.
”Aye the war! The great war! the world war! The planet-shaking war!
Germany declared war today on Russia and tomorrow she declares war on France! Never mind how I know! I know, and that's enough! The strength and weight of a Germany that has devoted its best mind and energy for nearly half a century to preparation for war will be hurled at once upon our poor France! We are to be the first and chief victim!”
”It will not be so!” said Castelneau and Mery together.
”No, I think not. Republican France of 1914 is not Imperial France of 1870. There I think Imperial Germany has made her great mistake. And we have friends, as Imperial France had not! But every son of France must be prepared to shed his blood in her defense!”
Castelneau and Mery bowed gravely. John could tell little about them, except they were short, thick men, apparently very strong. They wore caps, resembling those of a naval officer, heavy, powerful gla.s.ses, and baggy clothing, thick and warm. John saw that they paid Lannes great deference, and he remembered the words of Castelneau that the young Frenchman was the greatest airman in France. And he had a vague impression, too, that France led in flying.
”Can France win against Germany, my lieutenant?” asked Mery, who had not spoken hitherto. ”The Germans outnumber us now in the proportion of seven to four, and from a time long before we were born they've thought war, dreamed war, and planned war.”
”We'll not have to fight Germany, single handed, my good Mery,” replied Lannes. ”We'll have friends, good friends, powerful friends. And, now, I suppose that you have extra clothing with you?”
”Enough for two, sir. Your friend goes with you?”
”He does unless he wishes to remain here and be shot as a spy by the Germans.”
Lannes did not glance at John as he spoke, but it was a calculated remark, and it met with an instant response.
”I'll go with you in the machine,” he said.
And yet it took great courage to make the resolve. The three Frenchmen were practised aviators. They traveled in the air as John would have traveled on the water. He had never been in a flying machine in his life, and his mind did not turn to mechanics.
”We must not waste time in delay,” said Lannes. ”Mr. Scott and I will go in the first machine, and we will start straight for France. John, I promised to take you to Munich, but I can't do it now. I'll carry you to France. Then you may cross over to Switzerland, and communicate with your people in Munich. It's the best that can be done.”
<script>