rotested Fritz. "First we shall go
past the place where I found you signalling. Then we shall proceed to
the stables and look after our horses."

"And then?" inquired Jimmie interestedly, feeling that any information
he might get from Fritz would be useful later on.

"We shall in full marching order break camp," was the reply. "To the
train of cars we will ride, and there put our horses and baggage
aboard. Then we start for the west. But here is the exact spot where
you were standing when I interrupted your conversation."

"Yes, this is the place," acknowledged Jimmie. "And right over there
is the aeroplane of my friends. Oh, look!" the boy cried. "See,
they're starting out with it! Great frozen hot boxes! Those other
fellows are shooting! Good night!"

CHAPTER X

AN EAGLE'S TALONS

"What's that?" gasped Ned as the cry from beneath the airship reached
his ears. "That's too close to come from the ground!"

"It must be Jack!" was Dave's startled exclamation. "He's not in the
aeroplane and I can't imagine where he may be!"

"Didn't he get aboard when we started?" queried Ned.

"I thought he did," Harry responded instantly. "I was busy stowing
things out of our way, though, and wasn't paying much attention."

"I missed him just a moment ago," stated Dave excitedly. "Where can he
have gone? Do you suppose he is captured by the Germans?"

"I hope not," Ned replied. "Maybe he missed getting aboard and is with
those fellows down there who are doing the shooting."

"Give me the glasses from that pocket beside you, Dave," requested
Harry. "Perhaps I can see the party well enough to distinguish him."

At the instant Harry leaned over the edge of the car for the purpose of
getting a better view of the field they had so recently occupied
another shot rang out from below. Mingled with the report were shouts
and exclamations from several of the soldiers.

As will be remembered distinctly by those of our readers who have had
the pleasure of riding in aircraft, sounds from the earth are
distinctly heard at a great altitude. In fact, sounds may be
distinguished clearly at a much greater distance in a vertical than in
a horizontal direction. It was owing to this fact that the shouts from
the group below came so clearly to the lads in the Eagle.

"I don't hear Jack's voice amongst the clamor," declare Harry.

"I wonder where he can be?" puzzled Dave, earnestly scanning the vacant
space below.