“It was learned that our friends, the enemy, intended sending out another one of their exasperating raids with half a dozen Taubes. They would drop a few bombs on Dunkirk and Calais and call that a great feat. Now more than thirty seaplanes, guided by some of the most daring of British aviators, plan a gigantic raid on the German sea bases in Belgium to-night, and you can accompany them if you will!”
CHAPTER X.
THE AËROPLANE BOYS IN LUCK.
Thrilled by the nature of the communication made by the British officer, Frank, Billy and Pudge stood there staring at one another.
Of course it was not so very difficult for Frank to understand just why this invitation to accompany the raiding party of British aviators had come to them. Back of it all was the French Government, he felt certain. Before going into the business of making heavy investments connected with the new American seaplane patents it was only natural they should desire to witness an efficient test of the machine’s superiority over any aëroplanes they already possessed.
The contemplated raid would afford such a test. Competent critics, those other experienced birdmen, would be near to gauge the capacity of the Sea Eagle. In other words, the French Government did not want to “buy a pig in the poke.” Unless the hybrid sea and aircraft could meet the requirements laid down, they would not dare risk squandering great amounts of money in those hard times to duplicate her model.
Frank was greatly pleased. It seemed as though he and his chums had received a magnificent compliment in being honored with such an invitation.
“Of course, Major Nixon, you have been authorized to see us, and extend this courtesy?” he asked, as a starter.
“I can show you my credentials in that line, Frank,” the genial officer replied, without the least hesitation or embarrassment, which he accordingly proceeded to do, thus relieving the other’s mind in the beginning.
“Everything is shipshape, sir,” said Frank. “Now let us talk about the conditions under which we are to be allowed to accompany the expedition”