s post. Then it was that Dick
stole upon him from behind. Another leap, a grip around the man's
throat, and sentry number two was on his back, where Reade gave
him the grace blow.

Without a word the chums picked up this sentry, carrying him around
to the rear. Then Dick sought the small rear door of the hangar.
It opened softly, and they entered, closing it behind them.

All was darkness in here until Reade, producing his pocket electric
torch, threw a beam of light over the scene.

While Dick stood still, now holding the automatic pistol, Tom
took a rapid look over each of the two air machines.

"This nearer one looks like the newer, better one," Reade declared.
"I'll look over the machinery to make sure that the engine is
all right and that I understand the engine and the controls.
Her machine-gun is ready for business and we may need it."

Dick stood patiently by, wondering how soon the guard was due
to be relieved. If that happened soon, and the knocked-out sentries
were discovered, the chance for escape looked like three less
than nothing!

"All right," whispered Tom at last. "I can handle her, and there
is water enough in the radiator and the gas tanks are filled.
Now, then, we must open the doors as noiselessly as possible."

Dick taking the left-hand one, Tom the right, they rolled the
doors back. These moved almost noiselessly.

"Here's the way you turn the engine on," Tom whispered, holding
the torch and getting Dick up into the cockpit of the craft.
"Turn it on as soon as I say, but not a second before."

Placing himself in front of the propeller Tom gave it a few brisk
turns.

"Now!" cried Tom, leaping back. The ignition caught at once.
Tom clambered over into the cockpit, Prescott now being in the
observer's seat forward.

With the wheel in his hands and his feet resting against the controls
Tom Reade suddenly dropped all apprehension. He was as much at
home now as Prescott was with an automatic pistol in his hand.

Waiting only until the engine had gained its speed without missing,
Tom cried:

"Ready, pal!"

Out through the open doorway Reade sent the airplane "taxying"
or running along the ground.

Across the field toward them came racing a German aviator with
a startled look on his face. He had to jump out of the way as
the "taxying" airplane bore down on him. But he reached for his
automatic and brought it forth.

"Stop!" he roared. "Turn out the guard!" Bang! bang!