t started."

Leaving Lodz, the three had made their way north, keeping as close to
the German border as was safe, until they had reached Riga, on the Gulf
of Riga, which extends in from the Baltic Sea. Here they had at first
thought of going part of the distance by boat, but, because of the
likelihood of the approach of German warships in the Baltic, had given
up this plan and decided upon an aeroplane.

"We came to Russia in an airship," Hal had said. "We might as well go
back in one. Besides, it is quicker."

And so it was agreed.

Ten miles south of Riga, surrounded by Russian airmen, they climbed into
the craft which the Russian commander in the little city had provided
for them. The plane was large and roomy, having a seating capacity of
five.

Hal took his place at the steering wheel and Chester climbed aboard.

Still eyeing the flying craft suspiciously, Alexis followed Chester,
and, sitting down suddenly, took hold of the seat with both hands and
hung on for dear life, although the craft was still upon the ground.
Then he lowered his head and shut his eyes.

Hal gave the word, and willing hands started the machine along the
ground. Gradually it gained momentum until it was skimming over the
ground at a rapid gait. Then Hal threw over the elevating lever, and the
machine shot into the air amid the cheers of the Russians below.

Alexis was conscious of a sinking sensation in the region of his
stomach, and he ducked his head even lower as the car rose higher in the
air.

"Look up, Alexis!" shouted Chester, reaching over and laying a hand on
the Cossack's arm.

Now that the machine had reached a good height, Hal held it steady, and
it darted ahead on a straightaway course. The plane shook with the
vibrations of the engine, but otherwise there was scarcely a noticeable
motion.

Now that the machine was more steady, Alexis, in response to Chester's
command, slowly opened his eyes and looked about. Seeing nothing, he
closed them again immediately, and again ducked his head. Once more
Chester yelled at him to look about, and at last Alexis raised his head
and glanced into the distance.

"This is a terrible place for a man to be," he muttered with a shudder.
"If man were meant to fly he would have been given wings. It is tempting
the wrath of the elements to be here."

As he looked about him, however, and became conscious of the steadiness
of the craft, his composure returned, and soon he was making inqu