ance 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."

"I know," said John, "and I appreciate the effort you're making for me.
Nor would I be in your way at a time when you may be able to do so much
for your country."

"Then we go at once. Castelneau, we take the _Arrow_."

He pointed to the smaller of the machines.

"Yes, my lieutenant," said Castelneau, "it is the better for a long
flight."

"I thought so. Now, Castelneau, you and Mery return to the hidden
station in the mountains, while Mr. Scott and I take flight for France.
John, here are your clothes."

John hastily put on the heavy garments, which seemed to him to be made
of some kind of oilskin, thrust his hands into heavy gloves, and put on
the protecting glasses. But as he did it his pulses were beating hard.
The earth on which he now stood looked very good and very solid, and the
moonlit ether above him was nothing but air, thin, impalpable air,
through which his body would cleave, if he fell, with lightning speed.
For a moment or two he was afraid, horribly afraid, but he resolutely
put the feeling down.

Lannes was also clothed anew, looking like a great baggy animal, but he
was rapid and skillful. John saw at once that the praise of Castelneau
was justified.

"Here is your seat, John," said Lannes, "and mine is here. All you'll
have to do is to sit still, watch the road and enjoy the scenery. We'll
give her a shove, and then you jump in."

There was some room on the grass for the preliminary maneuver, and the
four shoved the machine forward and upward. Then Philip and John,
quickly releasing their grasp, sprang into their seats.

Lannes' eyes behind the heavy glasses were flashing, and the blood was
flying through his veins. The daring strain, the utter defiance of death