“Yes, that’s all,” replied George. A twinkling light shone in his eyes. “But——”
“Difficult, eh, old chap?”
And though George nodded emphatically, Don, nevertheless, felt strongly inclined to think that when once in the pilot’s seat he would surprise not only his chum but a few others as well.
Shortly afterward the two reached the machine and repair shops.
CHAPTER V—TRAINING
Americans, of course, enjoyed a great popularity all over France, and, therefore, Don and George were welcome guests at the shops, which resembled huge manufacturing plants. They immediately found themselves surrounded by another kind of activity. The din and hum of machinery, the clanging of hammers, the explosive reports of motors vibrated over the air, all symbolizing, as it were, by means of sound, progress and labor.
“They build airplanes here as well as repair them,” explained George.
As the two walked from one point to another Don Hale marveled at what he saw. The framework of hulls and of main planes, the latter with their strong but slender supporting spars, stood in long rows. Everywhere skilled artisans, ordinary mechanics, and helpers worked on various parts of the planes. In the assemblage department Don and George stopped to watch the winged creations, one of the latest products of man’s inventive genius, being put together. A foreman greeted them pleasantly.
“And what do the young Americans think of all this?” he inquired.
“Simply wonderful!” responded Don, enthusiastically.