t. We're going to have a fine day. Look down at this, our
France, Monsieur Jean the Scott, and see what a beautiful land it is!
Can you wonder that we don't want the armed feet of the Germans to tread
it down?"

The darkness was shredding away so fast that John got a clear view. He
was surprised, too, to find how low they were flying. They were not more
than a hundred yards above the tops of the trees, and the glorious
country was all that Lannes had claimed for it.

He saw woods heavy in foliage, fields checkered in green and brown,
white roads, neat villages and farm houses, and the spires of churches.
It seemed impossible that war should come upon such a land. This word
"impossible" was often recurring to John. It was impossible that all
Europe should go to war and yet the impossible was happening. The world
would not allow twenty million men to spring at one another's throats,
and yet they were doing it.

Lannes suddenly uttered a deep "Ah!" and pointed with a long forefinger.

"Our camp," he said. "On the hill about five miles to the left. The
planes have seen us. Three are coming to meet us."

John saw the camp distinctly through the glasses, a long intrenched
position on a low, broad hill, many guns in front and many horses in the
rear, with the banners of France floating over the works.

"We'll be there soon," said Lannes joyfully. "Here, John, wave this!"

He took a small French flag from the locker and John waved it with
vigor. The fastest of the planes was soon beside them and Lannes called
out gayly:

"The Arrow, Philip Lannes at the rudder, and John Scott, an American,
who is going to fight with us, as passenger and comrade!"

Thus they flew into the republican camp, and a great crowd came forward
to meet them. Lannes stepped out of the Arrow, saluted an officer in the
uniform of a captain, and asked:

"What corps is this?"

"That of General Avillon."

"Then, sir, would you be so good as to conduct me to his headquarters? I
have been in both Berlin and Vienna in disguise, and on service for our
government. I have information and minute maps."

"Come with me at once," said the officer eagerly.

"I ask you to make my comrade comfortable while I am gone. He is an
American, John Scott, whom an accident threw with me. He is the bravest
of the brave and he's going to serve with us."

Lannes was dramatic and impressive. Again he was the center of a scene
that he loved, and, as always, he made the