With this resolve to spur them on, Tom and Jack bade their bravo comrades farewell and started for Paris, whence they were to journey to the headquarters of General Pershing and his men.
CHAPTER VI. IN PARIS
Attired in their natty uniforms of the La Fayette Escadrille, which they had not discarded, with the double wings showing that they were fully qualified pilots and aviators, Jack Parmly and Tom Raymond attracted no little attention as, several hours after leaving their places on the battle front, they arrived in Paris. They were to have a few days rest before joining the newly formed American aviation section which, as yet, was hardly ready for active work.
“Well, they're here!” suddenly cried Tom, as he and Jack made their way out of the station to seek a modest hotel where they might stay until time for them to report.
“Who? Where? I don't see 'em!” exclaimed Jack, as he crowded to the side of his chum, murmurs from a group of French persons testifying to the esteem in which the American lads were held.
“There!” went on Tom, pointing. “See some of our doughboys! And maybe the crowds aren't glad to have 'em here! It's great, I tell you, great!”
As he spoke he pointed to several khaki-clad infantrymen, some of the first of the ten thousand Americans lads that were sent over to “take the germ out of Germany.” The Americans were rather at a loss, but they seemed masters of themselves, and laughed and talked with glee as they gazed on the unfamiliar scenes. They, too, were enjoying a holiday before being sent on to be billeted with the French or British troops.
“Come on, let's talk to 'em!” cried Tom, enthusiastically. “It's as good as a letter from home to see 'em!”
“I thought you meant you saw—er—Bessie and her mother,” returned Jack, and there was a little disappointment in his voice.