'd let me go along. Then if anything
happened we'd be together, anyhow."

"It's better for you to stay here. I'll be gone only a few minutes if
everything turns out O.K."

Tom turned and ran across the field. Jack stared after him until he lost
track of the runner in the misty moonlight. Then he occupied himself in
listening to that clamor and wondering whether it was really getting
closer, or if his fears only made him think so.

There was certainly a big noise. Men continued to shout, and guns were
being discharged, but not so frequently as before. Perhaps this latter
was done by nervous guardians of the Lorraine city, who on first hearing
the racket took it for granted that it meant an airplane attack, and
were therefore starting in to bombard the skies, discovering hostile
fliers in every lurking fleecy cloud.

Yes, Jack was positive now that those who shouted to one another must be
coming out of the city, and heading for the big field where Tom had
dropped down.

"Like as not," Jack told himself, "some wisebody has discovered that
airplanes have been using this ground for alighting. When they had word
that an enemy machine was heading this way they just naturally concluded
it might drop down here. I guess our little fight up aloft was heard and
understood by some one on guard. I hope Tom will soon get back here,
that's what!"

Tom had been gone several minutes, and Jack tried to pierce the misty
light beyond in the endeavor to discover some sign of his returning. His
uneasiness increased, and with reason, for the noise was drawing
perilously near.

Jack tried to figure out what his plan of campaign should be in case a
motley mob of citizens and soldiers suddenly appeared in view, carrying
lanterns, and perhaps blazing torches.

True, he had his automatic pistol with him, but what would that puny
weapon avail when pitted against a score or two of enemies; many of them
armed soldiers of the Kaiser, who would ruthlessly fill him with lead at
the first show of resistance on his part?

Would it be better policy for him to slip away and conceal himself in
case they did arrive before Tom returned?

But had not Tom explicitly told him to stay on guard over the airplane
until he came back? Jack drew in a fresh breath. He threw back his
shoulders aggressively and his mind was made up. He would stick it out,
no matter at what cost. If the Boches wanted that plane they would have
to fight for it, that was all.