report, and went on their way, longing for the time when they could
get into action with the American troops.

"Oh, so you're the two aviators from the Lafayette Escadrille,"
commented the commanding officer, or the C. 0., of the newly formed
American squadron, as Tom and Jack, drawing themselves up as
straight as they could, saluted when he looked over their papers and
their log books. These last are the personal records of aviators in
which they note the details of each flight made. They are official
documents, but when a birdman is honorably discharged he may take
his log book with him.

"We were told to report to you, sir," said Tom.

"Yes. And I'm glad to see you. We're going to establish a purely
American air force, but as yet it is in its infancy. I need some
experienced fliers, and I'm glad you're going to be with us. Of
course I have a number who have made good records over there," and
he nodded to indicate the United States, "But they haven't been
under fire yet, and I understand you have."

"Some," admitted Jack, modestly enough.

"Good! Well, I'm to have some more of our own boys, who are to be
transferred from the French forces, and some from the Royal Flying
Corps, so with that as a start I guess we can build up an air
service that will make Fritz step lively. But we've got to go slow.
One thing I'm sorry for is that we haven't, as yet, any American
planes. We'll have to depend on the French and English for them, as
we have to, at first, for our artillery and shells."