"Should we like to see it? Yes, indeed," cried the aviator's son, enthusiastically.
"And thus the scene shifts from near-tragedy to comedy!" laughed Dunstan. "Coming, Chase?"
The latter had been showing no inclination to budge from his position, but in answer to the question he gave a gruff assent, then slowly rose to his feet, and Don, standing near by, heard him mutter:
"Awful, awful! I can scarcely believe I'm alive."
As the three Americans followed their soldier-guide along the foot-path, which wound its way in a serpentine direction through the forest, they were greeted everywhere with cordial salutations. The way led past an amazing number of subterranean retreats, representing such a vast amount of time and labor that Dunstan could not help remarking thoughtfully:
"Too bad that so much energy had to be put into work of such a character!"
"I guess that thought was in the mind of every one who helped to dig," growled Chase.
The artillery lieutenant smiled.
"This war has certainly proved as nothing else ever did the wonderful ability of mankind to adapt itself to every sort of condition, no matter how difficult or unusual. It has given tremendous impetus to inventive genius all over the world, particularly in connection with the science of aeronautics. The conquest of the air is almost complete."
"My father is an aviator in the American army," declared Don, proudly. "Formerly he served with a French squadron. Some day I hope to be an airman myself."