Winning His Wings: A Story of the R.A.F.

by Percy F. Westerman

At the first of the sheds, in which the giant machines assembled for the purpose of bombing Berlin were stored, the Orderly Officer halted his men.

"Carry on, Daventry," he said. "See if your merchant is knocking around. We'll stand by in case of an accident."

Derek's investigation of the first shed drew blank. As he was entering the second he came face to face with the flying-officer he had befriended.

"Hallo, George!" exclaimed the pilot of the disabled machine. "You're just the fellow I wanted to see. Hung around the mess for a deuce of a time, but it was na poo."

"Better late than never," rejoined Derek. "We'll stroll back. S'pose you can spare the time?"

The officer hesitated. Then:

"Right-o! I'm on!" he exclaimed. "Can't stop very long, though. I'm on a special stunt with these bombers. By the way, do you happen to know——"

Derek laid his hand heavily upon the pilot's shoulder.

"Count von Peilfell," he said sternly, "I arrest you as a spy!"

Instantly the armed guard surrounded the prisoner.