almost precipitated the entire party in a sudden plunge earthward
as he turned in response to David's query. For a moment only the boy
lost control of the great machine. But that moment was enough to cause
the aeroplane to dip swiftly toward the ground.

Before Ned could regain control much of the altitude was lost. In
another instant he had again directed the course of their craft toward
the open air high above the ruined city. But the lost distance was
sufficient to bring the party within range of the rifles of the German
soldiers who had been running toward their location.

A sharp report echoed from below. A whizzing, tearing sound assailed
the ears of the lads within the fuselage of the Eagle.

"Pretty close that time," commented Harry with a slight tremble in his
voice. "Shall I reply to them, Ned?" he asked.

"Not yet," replied Ned, shaking his head negatively.

Another report from below was heard, followed instantly by the clang of
a bullet against metal. A shriek rose from below.

CHAPTER IX

ABANDONING A REGIMENT

In wide-eyed amazement Jimmie stared for a moment at von Liebknecht,
not knowing what answer to make to the sudden question. He disliked
very much telling the officer the truth concerning the packet he had
been to so much trouble to rescue, yet felt that nothing else but the
exact truth would serve in the present instance.

For a full minute he glanced about from one to another of the group in
the tent. The glances that met his in return were anything but
friendly. Some were indifferent, while others scowled fiercely as
their resentment against the lad mounted. Evidently all firmly
believed that the boy was what he had been accused of being--a spy.

At length resolved to adhere to the truth at whatever cost, Jimmie
raised his head to direct his gaze straight into the Captain's eyes.

"That packet," he began in a low tone, "is my own private property. I
don't know just what it contains, but it is not contraband."

A faint smile lighted von Liebknecht's usually immobile countenance.

"How, then," he asked, endeavoring to make his voice convey the spirit
of friendship he tried to feel for the lad, "can you say that it is not
contraband or infer that the packet does not contain information that
would be of value to our enemy if you do not know its contents?"

"Because I received it from a man who was dying and who wanted badly to
make restitution for some things he had d