n a new position that
instantly stayed their downward plunge. This caused the monoplane
to sail along gently, parallel with the field, to which it descended
immediately afterwards in safety.

Of course the other scouts wondered what all that racket meant,
although Ralph had guessed something close to the truth. They
started to ask questions at such a rate that Hugh laughingly cried
for quarter.

"Here, hold up a little," he interrupted, "and I'll tell you all about
it. You see we happened to discover those two sneaking spies in the
bushes, and the Lieutenant said it would be a fine chance to give
them such a scare that they'd be only too glad to skip out and let
things go for keeps. He had a lot of small experimental bombs along,
and every time one dropped near where they were trying to hide, you'd
have nearly taken a fit laughing to see how they skipped out and ran
like mad."

"Guess they thought you'd drop one of the big ones after you got the
range," suggested Ralph.

"That was what was scaring them," Hugh agreed. "And after seeing
what had happened when one of those exploded, you could hardly blame
them for being panic-stricken. They were a mile away when last seen,
and I reckon they're still on the full run. Lieutenant Fosdick says
he doesn't think either of them will ever have the nerve to come
back again."

"Huh! good riddance of bad rubbish," grunted Bud. "I'd give something
to see how they make out with the figuring I did on that paper they
hooked from our shanty. They couldn't make head or tail of it in a
year; so they are not likely to steal the idea of my wonderful
stability device, which is luck enough for me for one day."

Hugh gave Ralph a suggestive look, as though begging him not to say
anything just then to hurt poor Bud's dream of fame. Later on, when
they were back home again, they could break the sad news to him gently,
as the officer had suggested. What was the use of spoiling his
pleasure for that glorious day? They might never have another chance
to be with the brave fellows of Uncle Sam's Flying Squadron; so it
was just as well to make the most of their opportunity while it lasted.

The Lieutenant tried to coax them to stay longer, but Hugh knew they
must be on their way home shortly after noon, much as he wanted to
remain. Their folks might be anxious if they did not show up some
time that evening; and the next day would be Sunday, which was pretty
strictly observed in th