r the
aviator to first skim along the field for a little distance, and
gradually gain an impetus which, at the proper instant, results in a
slow ascent.

Of course he was taking all sorts of desperate chances in making this
blind venture; but his life was at stake, if caught. Besides, he
undoubtedly must have examined the nature of that level stretch of
ground before, and selected it as a landing place on account of its good
qualities.

"He's heading this way, Rob!" exclaimed Tubby, almost in a panic.

"If he butts into this wall it'll spell his finish!" added Merritt.

"No danger of that," said Rob. "He knows every foot of ground around
here. But duck down, everybody. They will fire a volley after him, and
we might get in line of the bullets."

Tubby dropped flat, forgetting that the high stone wall was as good a
breastwork as any one could want.

Just as Rob had anticipated, there was a series of explosions, and they
could even hear the patter of bullets striking the piled-up stones
composing the wall.

This was enough to tell them that the fleeing aviator had headed
straight toward the spot where they were crouching. And, as the rattle
of his machine grew louder, they realized that he was approaching them
with considerable speed.

Then, with an additional clatter, the Taube passed over the wall,
clearing its top by not more than ten feet.

"Keep down!" exclaimed Rob, feeling Merritt beginning to make a move,
and afraid lest he should stand upright in order to better follow the
progress of the aeroplane.

It was well he spoke when he did, for another burst of firing came. The
soldiers were sending random volleys after the fleeing airman, in hopes
of injuring his machinery or wounding the aviator himself.

"That was sure a great getaway!" bubbled Tubby, still seated there on
the ground.

"But I rather think they winged him," added Merritt, possibly with a
note of regret in his voice.

It was not that he felt any particular sympathy for the German cause;
but, boy-like, he could admire grit and daring, no matter under what
flag it might be found. That bold flight of the Taube operator in the
face of the flying missiles was quite enough to arouse the spirit of any
one with red blood in his veins.

"What makes you say that?" asked Tubby, not meaning to remain in
ignorance when he possessed a ready tongue.

"I was pretty sure the machine wabbled as it passed over," said Merritt.

"My opinion, too," Rob