The driver of each car signified that he understood perfectly, and Hal started his car off slowly. The others fell in line, and soon all were moving along at a brisk pace.

Hal found time to call back over his shoulder to Chester:

“How is the captain?”

“I fear he is in pretty bad shape,” was the reply; but, even at that moment, the captain showed signs of returning consciousness.

He stirred a little and moaned feebly. Then he raised his head.

“Where am I?” he demanded.

Slowly and carefully Chester explained the situation to him.

“And was the raid a success?” he asked. “Were the German aëroplanes destroyed?”

“Yes, every one of them,” replied Chester.