"It seems like it," was the reply. "When we come back on the circle, go lower," he said to Ralph, "and I can finish him."
As they crept up closer and closer, the lieutenant, with his hand on the crank, waited for the final chance. Like a dying gladiator the Taube turned, and a most terrific storm of shot came from the quick firer. This was the only time that the boys actually heard the thuds of the striking missiles on the body of the machine. It proved to be the last effort of the Taube; it dropped away, but still held its upright position.
Instantly the engine of the biplane stopped. The lieutenant, with his hand still on the crank, turned and shouted:
"What is the matter?"
There was dead silence, and sudden darkness, for they could not see in either direction. They had entered a dense cloud.
"Have we started on the down glide?" continued the lieutenant.
"I am trying to hold it up," said Ralph. As he spoke they emerged from the cloud, but the Taube was nowhere in sight.
"Try the starter," said the lieutenant feverishly.
"Can't do it," was the reply.
"Then hold it steady while I examine the tank," said the lieutenant. He leaned over, and almost immediately exclaimed: "The connection is shot away."