softer. The green earth beneath was mottled with the red and silver and
gold from the skies.

The German army was yet invisible beyond the hills, although the cannon
were flashing there, but to the west they saw vast masses of infantry,
some stationary, while others moved slowly forward. Looking upon this
wonderful sight, Wharton and Carstairs forgot that they were high in the
air. Their hearts beat fast, and their eyes became brilliant with
enthusiasm. They waved hands at the _Arrow_ which flew near like a
guiding friend.

"Wonderful, isn't it?" shouted John.

"I never expect to see its like again," Carstairs shouted back, and
then, lest he should not be true to his faith, he added:

"But I won't desert the automobile. It's my best friend."

"British obstinacy!" shouted John.

Carstairs shouted back something, but the planes were now too far apart
for him to hear. John saw that the _Omnibus_, despite her awkward look,
was flying well and he also saw through Lannes' glasses four aeroplanes
bearing up from the east. He did not say much until he had examined them
well and had concluded that they were Taubes.

"Lannes," he said, "German machines are trespassing on our air, and
unless I'm mistaken they're making for us."

"It's likely. Just under the locker there you'll find a rifle, and a
belt of cartridges. It's a good weapon, and if the pinch comes you'll
have to use it. Are your friends good shots?"

"I think they are, and I know they're as brave as lions."

"Then they'll have a chance to show it. The _Omnibus_ carries several
rifles and an abundance of ammunition. She might be called a cargo boat,
as there's a lot of room on her. I'm going to bear in close, and you
tell Caumartin and the others of the danger."

The _Arrow_ swerved, came near to the _Omnibus_, and John shouted the
warning. Carstairs and Wharton instantly seized rifles and he saw them
lay two others loaded at their feet. With the prospect of a battle for
life air-sickness disappeared.

"You can rely on them, Philip," said John as the _Arrow_ bore away a
little, "but I don't like the looks of one of those German machines."

"What's odd about it?"

"It's bigger than the others. Ah, now I see! It carries a machine gun."

"That's bad. It can send a hail of metal at us. It's lucky that
aeroplanes are such unstable gun-platforms. When platforms and targets
are alike swerving it's hard to hit anything. We're going to rise and
dive, and rise a