o
the desperate struggle waged for its possession. Three dark forms
lying nearby showed how effective the boys' fire had been. Only two
Germans seemed to be left to dispute their escape.

"Charge them, Jacques! Come on, Earl!" shouted Leon and he sprang to
his feet and dashed forward.

The two remaining Germans had taken refuge behind the protection of the
monoplane and toward this spot Leon rushed. A shot struck his steel
helmet a glancing blow and he stumbled; a moment later he had regained
his balance, however, and pushed on. Coming around the wing of the
flying machine he stood face to face with one of the Germans; there was
a flash and he felt a burning sensation through the muscles of his left
arm. He discharged his pistol point blank at his enemy.

Suddenly he was seized violently from behind. Powerful fingers closed
about his throat, shutting off his wind. Gasping, choking and fighting
desperately he was borne to the ground.

CHAPTER XXIV

THE RETURN

Leon opened his eyes. He had an indistinct remembrance of the fight
but that was all. His last recollection had been of shouts and shots
and a violent struggle for breath.

Where was he? There was a great roaring in his ears and a sense of
confusion all about him. Perhaps he was in the trenches again and the
roar he heard was the drum-fire of the Germans. Undoubtedly the Boches
were attacking and they must be repulsed at all costs. He struggled to
get up. His head ached painfully and a sharp twinge in his left arm
caused him to utter a slight groan.

It was dark all around him and he could not see distinctly. The
roaring continued and he stretched out his hand. He felt something
smooth; probably it was the barricade in the front of the trench.
Where was his gun? If he only had a hand-grenade: the Germans would
pay dearly for any advance in that position. Again he tried to
struggle to his feet and he heard above the roar a familiar voice
speaking in his ear.

"How do you feel, Leon?" inquired Earl.

"Where are we?"

"We're on our way home."

"To America?"

"No, to the _douzieme_. We'll be there before long."

"How are we going?" demanded Leon greatly puzzled. He was having a
hard time understanding what was taking place. His brain was still
stunned and worked slowly.

"We're in the monoplane," explained Earl.

"Where's Jacques?"

"He's right here."

"But the Germans?"

"Those that attacked us aren't going to bo