This was just what Jack was waiting for. Accordingly he explained how in various ways they had come to firmly believe that the missing Frank Turner had taken up aviation, and that at the breaking out of the war had joined the British aerial corps under the name of Frank Bradford.
Jack was watching when he said this, and, just as he anticipated, the general and captain, the latter of whom had been asked to remain in the room during the interview, showed immediate signs of renewed interest, proving that they recognized the name as belonging to one of their most daring air pilots.
“If it turns out as you believe,” said the general, after Jack had gone on to explain how they seemed to be chasing after a will-o’-the-wisp, since Frank Bradford was heard of first in one part of the country and then in another more remote region—“you have every reason to be proud of that missing brother. He has been a bulwark of insurance for our cause. There is hardly another aviator who has proven such a thorn in the flesh to the enemy as Frank Bradford. I had not learned that he was really an American. How about you, Captain?”
“Oh! yes, I was told so, General, though as a rule it was not generally known. I have never met him, though other pilots have spoken of him to me, and all seem to admire his wonderful nerve and skill.”
“Do you happen to know where he could be found at present, Captain?” asked the commanding officer, bent on assisting the two brave boys as far as he could.
“I heard some one say,” the other replied, “just a few days back, that he ran across Frank Bradford at the front with your aerial squad, General.”
“Of course, I would hardly have known of it,” remarked the commanding officer, “because these men are modest, and hide their light under a bushel, being often designated only by a number. It is too bad that you boys did not know this when you were close to the front.”
“We watched a number of aviators flying and sending signals,” Jack explained; “and my cousin even suggested that one of them might be his brother; but we had no means of knowing, and thought the only way to find out would be to make direct for Headquarters, General.”
Amos looked bitterly disappointed. To think that they may have been so close to the one they were seeking and then miss him was aggravating, to say the least.
“If you are so bent on finding him,” said the general, as though he could tell from the look on Jack’s face there was no thought of letting a little thing like this discourage them, “I will do what I can to help you out.”