"Any information respecting the destruction of one of the enemy's aeroplanes?" demanded the commandant.
"Yes, mon commandant. It descended near the village of Jupille. Before our lancers could approach it took fire. Our men found both pilot and observer wounded and brought them back. The captain of the troop reported that the Taube was set on fire by the pistol-shots of two dispatch-riders."
"At any risk to themselves?"
"I know not, sir."
"At any risk?" repeated Commandant Fleurus, shifting his glance from Captain Planchenoît to Kenneth.
In reply the lad removed his Belgian military cap and pointed to the double hole made by the German observer's bullet.
To Kenneth's surprise the commandant leant back in his chair and gave vent to a hearty laugh. Then he stood up and grasped the hand of the astonished youth.
"Go, bring in your compatriot," he exclaimed.
"What's the game, old man?" asked Rollo, who was cooling his heels in the corridor.
"Goodness knows! I can't make the little commandant out. He's an enigma. I've had a gruelling. Come along."