After supper the crowd gathered outside the old hotel, and while they were taking things easy on the roadside the rapid firing of anti-aircraft guns came to their ears. Following this they heard the whirring, musical sound of airplane propellers, and presently a fleet of German planes on a reconnoitering expedition was seen approaching.
Pale and gossamer-like, and flying in groups of three, they presented a very beautiful appearance. As the shells burst uncomfortably close the machines began to separate, some veering directly toward the road on which the Red Cross men had gathered.
Burst after burst of whitish smoke kept pace with them, and the boys could not help admiring the courage of the airmen, as they maneuvered their machines this way and that in order to escape the explosives.
"The planes are perfectly delightful to see," said "Peewee." "I'd almost like to be an airman myself."
"It's too high a calling for you," grinned Chase.
Suddenly the anti-aircraft guns to the east ceased firing and others to the west began to send forth reports.
And while the drivers stood there, craning their necks and regarding the spectacle with the utmost interest, a curious sort of whistling and pattering began to sound close at hand. "Peewee" was the first to realize what it meant.
With a loud yell of alarm he made a dash for the hotel.
And the others immediately left that particular spot with the same ludicrous haste.
The distance of a dozen yards or so to the entrance was covered just in time. The spent anti-aircraft projectiles were dropping from the sky; and the way they thudded and banged on the roof of the Hotel de la Palette and upon the roadway just outside made the crowd feel devoutly thankful that they were under shelter.