annihilated by American pluck and
ingenuity; there was a sadness in Jack's parting look now, and for a
reason. Down there brave American boys had gone to their fate, after
battling to their last breath for the right. In that blanket of smoke
and amidst scattered stone and timbers they had found their tomb, nor
would those loved ones far across the sea ever know where to look for
their last resting place.

On the roll they would be marked simply as "lost when on perilous duty",
and that brief inscription must ever be their epitaph. None more
glorious was ever inscribed on monument of granite in a city's beautiful
cemetery; and the Nation would always do honor to their memories.

But the air armada was off once more.

Jack put these thoughts from his mind. They had not expected to carry
out their ambitious plans without incurring losses. The price had been
paid, and those who came through in safety might congratulate themselves
on their good fortune.

Headed for the home camp they left that shambles behind them, for it
seemed certain that many Huns must have perished when the fortress was
destroyed so completely.

Then all at once Jack remembered something. Tom had almost as much as
promised that if half a chance arose while on the way home he meant
somehow or other to get "lost" from the main column.

It might not be very hard, seeing that they came at the tail of the
procession, and those just ahead would hardly notice the fact if at some
time or other they should lag, and vanish from sight. It might be taken
for granted that they had simply fallen a little behind, and by putting
on a spurt of speed could at any time easily catch up.

At any rate the expedition would not delay, waiting for those who
tarried. In an affair of this kind the rule was "every tub on its own
bottom," and if accidents occurred the unfortunate plane must drop out,
and take its individual chance of getting through in safety.

Jack was wondering just how his chum would act in order to bring about
this separation. Hence he was not greatly surprised when Tom called out
aloud, so that he could make his voice heard above the incessant whirr
of motors added to the buzz of many propellers that filled the air with
noise:

"Jack, something seems to be wrong with our engine."

"You don't say!" ejaculated Jack, accompanying the remark with a wide
grin; for he suspected that this was only the ruse he had been
anticipating.

"I don't seem to be