"I should think that if they went on they'd meet the French flyers," said Wharton, "and then there'd be some lively scenes up in the shining blue."
"They're ready to take the risks," said John. "I believe the Germans are willing to dare anything in this war. They think the world is against them and has resolved to crush them because the other nations are jealous. Their men higher up, the princes and the big military leaders have made them think so, and nothing on earth can ever shake them in the belief."
"You're probably right," said Wharton, "but our German birds seem to be gathering for something. Look how close together they hover now."
"And they're almost directly over our heads!" said John, a thrill of alarm shooting through him. "And see they're dropping down fast!"
"Which means?"
"Which means that they've seen us, that they've noted our French uniforms through powerful glasses, and that they're getting ready to swoop."
"Let 'em come!" said Wharton defiantly. "I never thought to take part in this kind of dove hunting, but if the Taubes will attack they must take the consequences."
He eased his rifle across his saddle bow. All three of them carried the modern, high-powered rifle which could kill at a tremendous range. Neither Wharton nor Carstairs yet felt any apprehension, but John knew better.
"Those are armored machines," he said, "and unless our bullets are very lucky indeed they'll glance off their steel sides."
"Armored flying machines!" exclaimed Carstairs. "I never heard of such things!"