rm Lieutenant Larkin that he is to
go in B Flight, with Yancey."

"Very well, sir. But if you really fear any trouble, Larkin will be more
effective in the top flight. Altitude means a lot--and I always feel
safer when he is sticking around close to me."

"No, I want him with Yancey. We might get separated, and if I draw an
ace for myself, I should give Yancey as good a card."

McGee smiled at the pun. "Very well, sir, but while speaking of aces,
it's always best to have 'em up. And the higher up the better. Larkin is
a great pilot when he has plenty of altitude--right where a lot of the
others fall down. Take him with you and let me go with Yancey."

"Oh, very well. I started in to ask for advice and I had as well take
it. That will be all to-night, Lieutenant. No, wait! One other thing:
Say nothing to anyone about Siddons going off joy-riding. Let them think
he is still at Vitry. I want to handle him my own way, without stirring
up any comment. If they find out he cut formation on a trumped up
hokus-pokus, they would think I should ground him."

Mullins' jaw dropped in surprise and astonishment. "Aren't you going to
ground him?" he asked.

"I am not! I'm going to see that he draws some hot stuff. I've a nice
little mission all figured out for him."

A glint in Cowan's eyes testified that he was again the self-sufficient
commander, confident of his decisions and determined upon his course of
action.

CHAPTER VII

Von Herzmann Strikes

1

At dawn the following morning, well behind the German lines in the
vicinity of Roncheres, Count von Herzmann's famous Circus was making
feverish haste to take the air. Von Herzmann himself was coolly
instructing the pilots in the purposes of their coming expedition. His
elation was great indeed, and his entire manner, as well as the pleased
smile that played over his youthful, handsome face, indicated that he
was confident of victory. Confidence, however, was no new trait in von
Herzmann. He always possessed it, but it stopped just short of blind
egotism. Perhaps therein could be found the reason for his fame and his
success. He was no blundering, egobefuddled braggart riding for a fall;
he was a splendid pilot, a careful tactician, fearless when fearlessness
was needed and cautious when caution would bring greater reward than
blind valor. In short, his fame rested securely upon ability. He was one
of the idols of his countrymen, and he was a scourge both feared