It seemed as though there was more or less action going on all along the lines of trenches. As those who sped along high above the earth watched, they saw bodies of men shoot forward, to meet with a deadly fire from all manner of concealed guns. Perhaps they would be thrust back whence they sprang; or if the impetus of their advance were sufficient to carry them to the trenches of the enemy, there would ensue a hand-to-hand grapple that was terribly fascinating.
Pudge had to actually pinch himself several times in order to make sure he was awake, and not dreaming.
“To think that I’d ever have this wonderful chance to see what modern warfare is like!” he exclaimed in an awe-struck tone. “There’s the whole picture spread out below as if it might be painted especially for our benefit. Oh! what was that?”
A terrible explosion had apparently taken place. A section of the German trenches must have been blown up with a mine, for in the midst of the smoke they could see the khaki-clad British soldiers rushing pell-mell to occupy the breach before the Kaiser’s forces could recover from the shock, and hurry additional forces up to hold the particular spot.
Such things as that were happening here and there along a line hundreds of miles in extent. It was appalling to the boys to think of such a thing, having so recently come from across the sea, where their native land was basking under the sun of peace, with not an enemy to fear.
The country became more rugged as they pushed on. Still there was no sign of any hostile aëroplane rising to engage or trouble them. In fact, all that day up to now they could not remember having once set eyes on a Taube or a Zeppelin in the air. It certainly looked as though for once they must have had strict orders to keep in hiding until the storm had blown itself out.
“I can see what looks like a city away off yonder,” announced Billy, who was handling the glasses again.
“It is poor Lille, so long held possession of by the barbarians,” said the native aviator, with sadness in his tones; and the boys did not wonder at it when later on they learned to their surprise that M. Le Grande himself had been born and passed most of his life in that city of Northern France.
No doubt, if he could have had his way, he would have enjoyed nothing better than the chance to hurl down such a rain of bombs upon the invaders as must have hastened them back to their own country.
“Will you pass over Lille, Frank?” asked Billy, and there was that in his voice to tell how pleased he would be should his chum give a favorable answer.