Then with a louder roar the motors jumped to greater speed, and the Italian plane started off. In another instant it rose into the air.
With yells of rage the Germans even tried to hold it back with their hands, and, failing, they increased their fire. But though the plane was hit several times, and two on board shot, one later dying from his wounds, the whole party got off. A few minutes later they were above the burning factories, and had a view of the great destruction wrought on the German base. So completely destroyed was it that few defense guns were left in condition to fire at the aeroplane.
"Well, we did that in great shape!" exclaimed Jack, as they were on their way over the Rhine again.
"Couldn't have been better," conceded Tom. "And, best of all, we have dad with us."
"How did it all happen?" asked Jack.
"I don't know. We'll hear the story when we are safe in France."
And safe they were as the gray morning broke. They arrived just as the crew of the other plane were relating, with sorrow, the fall of Tom, Jack and their comrades, and the rejoicing was great when it was known they were safe, and had not only outwitted the Huns, but had brought away a most important prisoner.
"And now let's hear how it all happened," begged Major de Trouville, when the injured had been made as comfortable as possible. There were three of these, and one dead on the plane that returned first.
The story of the attack on the German base was given in detail, and then Mr. Raymond took up the tale from the point where he had landed in Europe.
He had started for Paris, just as he had written Tom, and had taken lodgings in the Rue Lafayette. He went out just before the starting of the bombardment by the big gun, and so escaped injury, but he fell into the hands of some German spies, who were on his trail, and who succeeded, after having drugged him, in getting him into Germany.