perceiving Jacques' purpose had turned and was now fleeing
at full speed. No more did he circle and maneuver for position; his
course was straightened out and he raced for safety.

"We'll get him," shouted Leon. "We're gaining fast."

Closer and closer they came to their enemy. Little by little the
distance between the two racing machines decreased. The three boys
leaned forward tensely as if to urge their flier on; Leon and Earl sat
ready to open fire with the machine-gun the moment Jacques should give
the word.

Suddenly the German machine shot downward; it was a ruse to throw off
the pursuer who followed so relentlessly, but it was of no avail.
Jacques did the same thing and earthward the big monoplane rushed at
breakneck speed.

The German flier turned and started back; Jacques followed. All the
time the three boys were gaining on their foe. They were almost within
range now and the twin brothers prepared to carry out their part of the
task in hand.

"Get ready," warned Jacques when they were only a few hundred yards
behind their opponent and some distance above him.

"We're ready," answered Leon quickly.

"Let 'em have it then," cried Jacques.

The sharp rattling fire of the machine-gun answered his words and even
the roar of the motor was unheard in the tumult. Below, the Germans
could be seen aiming their quick-firers skyward at their French pursuer.

Jacques had been successful in gaining the better position, however,
and they had their foe at a distinct disadvantage. Leon and Earl
poured a deadly stream of bullets at their adversary. "He's hit,"
cried Earl suddenly.

"So are we," exclaimed Jacques.

"Where?" demanded Leon in alarm.

"A bullet has cut one of the supports for our wings."

"Is it dangerous?" asked Earl anxiously.

"I'm afraid so; I can't tell yet."

The fire from the German machine had ceased. It floated through the
air as though the pilot had lost control and its speed had decreased
greatly.

"Give him another volley, Leon," urged Jacques.

They were directly above their opponent now. Pointing the machine-gun
straight downward the two brothers sent another hail of bullets
whistling towards their foe.

The German machine fluttered for a moment like a wounded bird.
Suddenly a blaze appeared from a spot near the gasoline tank; a moment
later there was a burst of flame enveloping nearly the whole machine.
It reeled drunkenly for a moment and then fell.

Fascinate