Whether the audacious air-pilots in the Taube really escaped or were brought down by their swift pursuers the aëroplane boys never knew. They felt it quite satisfactory to know that apparently their route to the French town on the water was again free from waylaying trouble. Besides, Frank was of the opinion that they had left the bad part of their journey behind them. He was assured of this fact by M’sieu, the French pilot who had been in their company through the whole of this adventurous day.
CHAPTER XXVI.
HEADED TOWARD HOME.
Once they struck better roads their progress was much faster. Indeed, it was not long after the close of that short February day when they managed to arrive at Dunkirk. The boys did not rest until every part of the seaplane had once more been stored in the hangar, which they found just as they had left it, a cordon of soldiers still guarding it.
Tired after that most exciting day, the boys prepared supper. Frank asked M’sieu to join them, but the French aviator explained that he had his report to make out, so that the Government might complete the bargain on the next day.
“I shall never forget you, my brave boys,” he assured them in parting. “I have seen many experienced pilots handle their craft, but on my honor I assure you never before have I found one so young display such rare ability. After once seeing that you were the master of your airship never once did I fear for my life, or feel that it would better things if I took the wheel. I wish you every luck in the world; and it is with deep regret that I say au revoir.”
“Just to think,” remarked Pudge, as later on they sat around and partook of the supper that had been prepared, “all that’s happened since we left here this A. M.”
“It’s been a red-letter day in our experience, for a fact,” admitted Frank.
“A glorious try-out,” said Billy, “and the Sea Eagle sure behaved herself in a way to make us proud of our Company. Only for that unfortunate puncture in the gas tank, we’d have come through without a single hitch.”
“And even that turned out to be not so serious a thing, after all,” said Frank, “though I admit it gave us a little concern at the time. But it had its compensations, after all, one of which was our meeting with that fine chap, Captain Marsden.”