for fact that the Germans did not turn tail and scurry back beyond
the protection of their own anti-aircraft guns and batteries. For
it was seldom, if ever, they went into a fight when the odds were
against them.

On came the Fokkers and Gothas, the black iron crosses painted on
the wings of the machines standing out in bold relief in the clear
air. The sun glinted on the red craft which were in the lead, and
besides Tom, who headed for one of these, a French ace darted down
from a height to engage the red planes.

"See if you can plug him when I put you near enough!" cried Tom to
his observer, who had the reputation of being a good shot with the
Lewis gun. Practice with the machine weapons in aeroplanes had been
going on, for some time among the new American aviators. "Let him
have a good dose!" cried Tom. "If you miss him, then I'll try!"

Of course Tom had to shut off the engine when he said this, as no
voice could have been heard above the roaring of the powerful motor.
But when he had given his companion these instructions and had
ascertained, by a glance over his shoulder, that the lad understood
for he nodded his head, Tom again turned on the gasoline, and the
propeller, that had been revolving by momentum and because of the
pressure of air against it, took up its speed again.

Straight for the red machine rushed Tom, and a quick glance told him
that his companion was ready with the gun. The weapon to be worked
by the latter was mounted so that it could be aimed independently of
the aeroplane. Tom also had a gun in front of him, but it was fixed
and could be aimed only by pointing the whole craft. Once this was