It was eleven o'clock before all was ready, when the lieutenant, addressing Ralph, said: "After we pass over Verdun, going east, we cross what is called the La Pietrie forests. The principal towns we shall visit are Conflans and Briey, both within the German lines. Through those towns are the principal railway lines which supply the enemy forces to the west with provisions and ammunition. We have eight bombs aboard to be used at convenient points. After lightening up the machine by disposing of them we may make a visit to Longwy, a town twenty-two miles north of Verdun. We ought to have good maps of the railroad sections over there."
As they arose the weather was somewhat hazy, so it was difficult to make observations at high altitudes. They, therefore, ascended at available points, and took a number of snapshots. To the left the Meuse river, and the edge of the forest beyond were distinctly visible, although they were then registering an altitude of more than 5,000 feet, and were five miles east of the river. To the east was an impenetrable haze, so the lieutenant directed the machine toward the river, and soon the German encampment and lines were visible through Barencourt.
All were on the alert to notice signs of the enemy's machines, for they were now in such a position that the Germans would be most likely to observe them, but there was not an indication that they would be molested. They then turned the machine to the northeast where a bridge was visible in the distance, and the lieutenant shouted through the tube:
"Make for the first bridge; follow the track on this side for a quarter of a mile, so as to give me a chance to aim. Then take the second bridge to the north further on, and in doing so pass the factory beyond."
"I understand," said Ralph.
The track was reached, and directions followed. Long before they were over the bridge the lieutenant pushed down the lever which released a bomb, which could plainly be seen at first, but they soon lost sight of the flying missile. A moment later the second bomb was released. How long it seemed for even the first bomb to reach the earth! As they were directly over the bridge an explosion was plainly visible. The first bomb had missed the bridge, but before they had time to comment on it the second one burst at the end of the bridge, and one of the spans went down.
The factory was now in view. "Go down lower," shouted the lieutenant.
Alfred nudged the lieutenant, and pointed to the north. "That looks like an airship," he said.
"So it is," replied the lieutenant, after a hasty glance. "But we must attend to this little business first," he continued, as his foot was extended down to the bomb dropper.