"And it's plumping shells more than a ton in weight, right into the middle of the Franco-British army."
"It would seem so, and doubtless they're doing terrible destruction."
John was silent for a moment or two. He had felt an inspiration. It was a terrible and dangerous impulse, but he meant to act upon it.
"Philip," he said, "have you any bombs with you?"
"A good supply, John. But why?"
"I propose that you and I fly over the mammoth gun and blow it up."
Lannes turned a little in his seat, and stared at his comrade.
"I hold that against you," he said.
"Why?"
"Because I didn't think of it first. I'm considered reckless, and it's the sort of enterprise that ought to have occurred to me. Instead the idea comes to you, a reserved and conservative sort of a fellow. But John, you and I will try it. We'll either blow up that gun or die for France. Search the heavens with the glasses, and see if any of the German flyers are near."