For the moment all eyes were turned in the direction indicated. It was, indeed, as Francois had said. The dreaded smoke was there.
Again they heard the scream of a shell, and this time as it exploded the tremor of the earth was greater, although the detonation was not so loud as in the case of the former shell.
"That hit into something!" declared Jimmie excitedly.
"Where are they coming from?" asked Harry. "Who's shooting?"
"Those are the dreaded German shells!" replied Francois.
For a few moments the boys stood, expecting to hear other shells. None came, however, and they were about to give their attention to the soldiers when Jimmie espied Ned's figure running toward them.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in!" he exclaimed, rushing toward his chum. "Where did you come from, Scout? Aren't you lost?"
Ned shuddered and hid his face. He was horrified at his recent experience. In a few words he told the details.
"There's an aeroplane rising from the eastward!" cried Harry.
"I'll bet it's a Taube!" declared Jimmie. "It's bird-shaped!"