appened, John?" he asked.

"You've slept six or seven hours."

"And while I slept, the army, as I can see, has begun its march
according to the order we brought. I'm sorry I had to miss any of it,
but I was bound to sleep."

"You're a marvel."

"No marvel at all. I'm merely one of a million Frenchmen molded on the
same model. An army can't move fast and tonight the _Arrow_ and I will
be hovering over its front. There's your old place for you in the
plane."

"I'd only be in your way, Philip. But can't you wait until tomorrow?
Don't rush yourself while you've got a new wound."

"The wound is nothing. I'm bound to go tonight with the _Arrow_. But
what are you going to do if you don't go with me?"

"A new friend whom I've made while you slept has found a place for me
with him, on the staff of General Vaugirard, a brigade commander. I
shall serve there until I'm able to rejoin the Strangers."

"General Vaugirard! I've seen him. An able man, and a most noticeable
figure. You've fared well."

"I hope so. Here comes Captain de Rougemont."

The captain showed much pleasure at seeing Lannes up and apparently
well.

"What! Has our king of the air revived so soon!" he exclaimed.

"The dead themselves would rise when we're about to strike for the life
of France," said Lannes, his dramatic quality again coming to the front.

"Well spoken," said de Rougemont, the color flushing into his face.

"I return to my aeroplane within two hours," said Lannes. "I hold a
commission from our government which allows me to operate somewhat as a
free lance, but, of course, I shall conform for the present to the
wishes of the man who commands the flying corps of this army. Meanwhile,
I leave with you my young Yankee friend here, John Scott. For some
strange reason I've conceived for him a strong brotherly affection.
Kindly see that he doesn't get killed unless it's necessary for our
country, and this, I think, is a long enough speech for me to make now."

"I'll do my best for him," said de Rougemont earnestly. "I've come for
you, Scott."

"Good-bye, Philip," said John, extending his hand.

"Good-bye, John," said Lannes, "and do as I tell you. Don't get yourself
killed unless it's absolutely necessary."

Usually so stoical, his voice showed emotion, and he turned away after
the strong pressure of the two hands. John and de Rougemont walked down
the valley, where they joined General Vaugirard and the rest of his
staff.

As soon