nished by Spa. 87 will guard the sector from X to
T, between the town of O----and the two enemy balloons on
that sector. The patrol furnished by Spa. 12 will guard the
sector from T to Y, between the railway line and the two
enemy balloons on that sector. Immediately after the attack
has been made, these formations will return to the
aerodrome.

At 10.40 A.M. the four patrols of attack will leave the
field, and will rendezvous as follows. [Here followed the
directions.] At 10.55, precisely, they will start for the
lines, crossing at an approximate altitude of sixteen
hundred metres, each patrol making in a direct line for the
balloon assigned to it. Numbers 1 and 2 of each of these
patrols will carry rockets. Number 3 will fly immediately
above them, offering further protection in case of attack by
enemy aircraft. Number 1 of each patrol will first attack
the balloon. If he fails, number 2 will attack. If number 1
is successful, number 2 will then attack the observers in
their parachutes. If number 1 fails, and number 2 is
successful, number 3 will attack the observers. The patrol
will then proceed to the aerodrome by the shortest route.

Squadron commanders will make a return before noon to-day,
of the names of pilots designated by them for their
respective patrols.

In case of unfavorable weather, squadron commanders will be
informed of the date to which the attack has been postponed.

Pilots designated as numbers 1 and 2 of the patrols of
attack will be relieved from the usual patrol duty from this
date. They will employ their time at rocket shooting. A
target will be in place on the east side of the field from
1.30 P.M. to-day.

"Are there any remarks?" said Talbott, as if he had been reading the
minutes at a debating-club meeting.

"Yes," said J. B. "When is the umteenth of June?"

"Ah, mon vieux! that's the question. The commandant knows, and he
isn't telling. Any other little thing?"

I suggested that we would like to know which of us was to be number 1.

"That's right. Drew, how would you like to be the first rocketeer?"

"I've no objection," said J. B., grinning as if the frenzy of
balloonaticking had already got into his blood.

"Right! that's settled. I'll see your mechanicians about fitting your
machines for rockets. You can begin practice this a