These were unslinging their carbines. Blaine anticipated them with a
spatter of bullets from their own weapon. At this bedlam broke loose
below.

While Erwin had done little or no damage, probably owing to distance,
Blaine's discharge was pointblank and deadly.

Meantime in some way the German managed to loosen one arm. Recklessly
he seized hold of one the controls, wrenching it violently.

"You will, will you?" exclaimed the American, "We must get away from
here at any rate!"

Releasing both hands, he seized the German by the throat, pinning him
against the rim of the hole that held both, and with his feet on the
accelerator rose rapidly upward. By this time bullets were spitting
round them, one of which seared the German's bare scalp deeply.
Uttering a curious groan, the fellow sank back and Blaine released his
throat.

"He's out of it for the time being," thought Lafe. "Good thing, too.
Hard work to keep a strangle hold on that chap and keep his machine
right side up. Hey there, Orry!"

By this time Erwin had forged so close in swinging round again that
only a few yards separated the planes.

"Don't you go any nearer those Boches. I am all right. We got some of
them. Look at those riderless horses!"