"What?" asked his friend, who was unaware of his errand.
"Blew up the bridge above Sy, and held back a troop train, for the rest of the day, I hope. I must go and report to the chief; tell you all about it later."
In giving in his report Pariset did not fail to emphasise the hazardous part that Kenneth had had in the operation. The commandant complimented them both, and made an entry against Kenneth's name in his notebook. Then he said:
"We have had our first encounter with a Zeppelin, and unluckily had the worst of it. The Zeppelin was reconnoitring, and Boissel went in pursuit. The crew opened fire with their machine guns when he was manoeuvring for position, and a shot smashed his arm. He managed to land, and then collapsed. The machine was slightly buckled up in coming to ground, and will be useless for a day or two."
"I'm sorry for Boissel," said Pariset. "He will be cut up at being knocked out so soon. Has the Zeppelin been seen since?"
"No. The forts opened fire upon it, apparently without success, for it sailed away to the north-east."
"Shall we tackle it if it comes back?" Pariset asked eagerly.
"Hadn't you better rest? You have done a good day's work already, and I don't want to lose you as well as Boissel."
"To tell the truth, our job at the bridge has whetted my appetite, and I am sure Amory is ready for another go."
"Whenever you please," said Kenneth.