"Good, then! Guess we had better do a little skirmishing about. It will keep suspicion from us should we be watched."
"All right," said Frank. "Come on."
CHAPTER VIII
A STARTLING DISCOVERY
With the coming of midnight Frank and Jack returned to the spot where the aeroplanes had been parked. Several of the German aviators already had returned. The man who appeared to be the leader announced that they would await the arrival of the others before taking to the air.
The others arrived one at a time until all were present but two. The machines were in readiness to ascend the moment the missing men arrived. The aviators were at their posts.
Suddenly there came a shout. A moment later the two German aviators who were delaying the departure burst into sight at a dead run.
"Quick!" called one. "We are discovered!"
Immediately the others—Frank and Jack among them—leaped into their machines and soared into the air. The last comers also leaped for their craft and succeeded in getting above ground just as rifles began to crack in the French camp.
Came a sudden cry from the machine nearest that of Frank and Jack. The lads saw a man rise to his feet, throw up his arms and pitch, head foremost, toward the ground. The aircraft, freed of a guiding hand, rocked a moment crazily and then turned over, hurling its other occupant into space.