come so far to fight for
France," the man said. "It would be a crime for us to take your money."

They also dressed his bruise which the peasant said would disappear
entirely in a day or two, and then as John was telling them adieu the
woman suddenly kissed him on the forehead.

"Farewell, young stranger who fights for France. The prayers of an old
woman are worth as much in the sight of God as the prayers of an
emperor, and mine may protect you."

Late in the afternoon John saw the battle thicken. The earth quivered
under his feet with the roll of the cannon, and the German line moved
forward much more slowly. It allowed him to gain in his own great,
private flanking movement. At twilight he rested a while and ate supper.
Then he pushed forward all through the night, and in the morning he saw
flying just above the trees an aeroplane which he recognized as the
Arrow.

Shouting tremendously he attracted at last the attention of Lannes who
dropped slowly to the ground. The young Frenchman was overjoyed, and, in
his intense enthusiasm wanted to embrace him. But John laughingly would
not allow it. Instead they shook hands violently again and again.

But after the first gladness of meeting Lannes was mournful.

"I have seen your friends Carstairs and Wharton," he said, "and they are
unhurt, but the German flood moves on. Only a miracle can save Paris. My
errand takes me there. Come, you shall have another flight with me, and
we shall see together, for perhaps the last time, that Paris, that city
of light, that crown of Europe, that fountain of civilization."

"I, an American, still hope for Paris."

"Then I do too."

John put on the coat and visor that Lannes gave him, and they took their
seats.

The _Arrow_ rose slowly, and John, with his visor and his clothing
adjusted carefully for speed and the colder air of the upper regions,
settled in his place. He felt an extraordinary sense of relief and
comfort. In the air he had a wonderful trust in Lannes, the most daring
of all the flying men of France, which perhaps meant the most daring in
the world.

He leaned back in his seat, and watched the strong arm and shoulders and
steady hand of his comrade. Again Lannes in the _Arrow_ was a master
musician playing on the keys of a piano. The _Arrow_ responded to his
slightest touch, rising swooping and darting. John, after the long and
terrible tension of so many days, released his mind from all
responsibility. He was n