Discussion might
be provoked, but it inevitably proved abortive, inasmuch as there was a
complete absence of data based upon actual experience. The novelist
was without any theory: he avowedly depended upon the brilliance of his
imagination. The critic could only theorise, and no matter how dogmatic
his reasonings, they were certainly as unconvincing as those of the
object of his attack.

But truth has proved stranger than fiction. The imaginative pictures
of the novelist have not only been fulfilled but surpassed, while the
theorising critic has been utterly confounded. Fighting in the air has
become so inseparable from the military operations of to-day that it
occurs with startling frequency. A contest between hostile aeroplanes,
hundreds of feet above the earth, is no longer regarded as a dramatic,
thrilling spectacle: it has become as matter-of-fact as a bayonet melee
between opposed forces of infantry.

A duel in the clouds differs from any other form of encounter. It is
fought mercilessly: there can be no question of quarter or surrender.
The white flag is no protection, for the simple reason that science and
mechanical ingenuity have failed, so far, to devise a means of taking
an aeroplane in tow. The victor has no possible method of forcing the
vanquished to the ground in his own territory except driving. If such a
move be made there is the risk that the latter will take the advantage
of a critical opportunity to effect his escape, or to turn the tables.
For these reasons the fight is fought to a conclusive finish.

To aspire to success in these combats waged in the trackless blue,
speed, initiative, and daring are essential. Success falls to the swift
in every instance. An aeroplane travelling at a high speed, and pursuing
an undulating or irregular trajectory is almost impossible to hit from
the ground, as sighting is so extremely difficult. Sighting from another
machine, which likewise is travelling rapidly, and pursuing an irregular
path, is far more so. Unless the attacker can approach relatively
closely to his enemy the possibility of hitting him is extremely remote.
Rifle or gun-fire must be absolutely point blank.

When a marauding aeroplane is espied the attacking corsair immediately
struggles for the strategical position, which is above his adversary. To
fire upwards from one aeroplane at another is virtually impossible,
at least with any degree of accuracy. The marksman is at a hopeless
disadvant