sullenly obeyed. To his further amazement, Erwin, now quite recovered,
rose up, got out, and though weak tied the Boche hard and fast under
Blaine's direction.

"Now, Orry," said Lafe, looking his comrade over carefully, "are you
right enough to take our machine back?"

"Bet your sweet life I am!" Orry's face was still pale, while blood
was coagulated in his curly short hair. "I'm all right, Lafe. What
are we going to do?"

"We'll put this chap in his own machine, and I'll take it and him back."

"You mean provided Fritzy lets us get through safe."

"Und zat ve wond do! Forshtay?" This from the now sullen German
standing by bound hand and foot, yet mentally antagonistic still.

"Don't you worry, bo," said Blaine, coolly picking up the man, a follow
of no small weight, and lifting, him into his own machine, a big Taube
of many horse-power. "That is, if you've got petrol enough."

This was assured beyond doubt by subsequent examination. The German
safely stowed, Erwin and Blaine made a hurried yet accurate inspection
of both planes, and Orris at once started westward. Blaine was about
to follow when horse hoofs were heard beyond a hedge not far away. The
German's eyes flashed. He divined a forcible rescue. He began to
yell, but with a swift move Blaine gagged him with his own bandanna
'kerchief.