iod when the British were sending over the first forces
to resist the invasion of France.

The second day they visited the hangars where the British were setting
up their aircraft and training the recruits for the aviation service.
While approaching the grounds they were the witnesses of an accident to
one of the flyers, who made a disastrous landing near them, and they
were prompt enough to lift the machine from one of the men, which saved
his life.

This incident was the changing point in their career, for they then
determined to enter the aviation corps, if possible. Despite their
efforts, they were not able to succeed, at this time, and as the father
of Alfred had sent word to them to meet him in Paris, they regretfully
worked their way to that city, only to learn, on arriving, that Mr.
Elton was not permitted to leave Germany.

By an accidental circumstance they went to Bar-le-Duc, in eastern France,
and visited the aviation grounds there. Having made themselves useful,
they were favored with the privilege of making ascensions, and were
instructed in the handling of the trial machines on the grounds.

On one occasion they were aloft with Lieutenant Guyon, who, owing to
heart troubles, fainted while at a high altitude, and the boys brought
the machine down safely. Thereafter, the lieutenant was their constant
friend, and when the corps moved to Verdun they were regularly enrolled
as members, and subsequently became engaged in many exciting flights.
While on a scouting operation with their friend, several German machines
appeared and a battle followed in which the machine was injured, and
during the descent both boys were wounded.

The lieutenant was caught in the wreckage, as the machine finally
plunged to earth, and within a week died of his wounds. The boys were
heart-broken at his death, and after a week at the base hospital were
transferred to the American hospital in Paris. After recovery they were
regularly discharged from the service, and started for home.

On their way to the Channel they became interested in the artillery
branch and happened to take part in the first great French drive in the
Somme region and later were with the British artillery when it began its
great fight against the Germans in the region west of Bapaume.

It was there that Alfred's parents and Ralph's mother learned of their
whereabouts, and, through the kindly offices of the American ambassador,
were permitted to visit the batt