“If he’s going over to Belgium it will take him about an hour and three-quarters to reach Zeebrugge—for that’s where he probably came from,” remarked the expert Pryor. “It’s light now at four, so he’ll go up before two, or not at all.”
“He would hardly risk being caught at sea in daylight,” declared Beryl.
Then, for a long time, there was silence, the eyes of all three being fixed upon the door of the farm until, of a sudden, it opened and the lame man and the enemy pilot were seen to emerge carrying between them one of the old leather trunks that had been brought from London.
“Hullo! They’re going to take it across by air!” cried Pryor. “It must contain something which ought to remain in this country!”
They watched the trunk being carried in silence away into the darkness to the shed. Then presently the two men returned and brought out the second trunk, which they carried to the same spot as the first.
“H’m!” remarked Ronnie, beneath his breath. “A devilish clever game—no doubt!”
Then, instructing Cranch to remain and watch, he led Beryl back to where “The Hornet” stood.
Into the observer’s seat he strapped the girl, and, hopping in himself, whispered to Collins to get all ready.
The engine was started; but it made no sound greater than a silent motor-car when standing.
Ronnie and Beryl strained their ears to listen for the sound of the engine of the enemy ’plane.