"The fellow above us dropped another bomb," said Lannes in a voice that shook a little. "It missed us and hit his comrade, who was almost beneath."
"What a death!" said John, aghast for a little while. Then he pulled himself together and looked up at the other Taube. It was hovering almost over them like a sinister shadow. As John looked something flashed from it, and a heavy bullet sang past.
"He has a rifle! Give him what's left in the automatic!" shouted Lannes.
John fired and he knew that his bullet had struck one of the exposed arms, because a moment later a drop of blood fell almost on his face.
"You've winged him," said Lannes. "Look how the Taube wobbles! You must have given him a bad wound in the arm. He'll have all he can do now to save himself. Good-bye to the pursuit. Luck and your skill, John, have saved us."
John, feeling faint, leaned against the seat.
"I think I'm air-sick," he said.
"It'll pass soon, but you're tremendously lucky. It's not often a fellow gets into a battle in the air the first time he goes up. See what's become of the Taube."
"It's descending fast. I can see the man struggling with it. I hope he'll reach the ground all right."
"He did his best to kill us both."