"I expected that," said Lannes. "This battle line, as you know, is far
from straight, and, in order to reach our destination in the quickest
time possible, we must pass over a portion of the German army, an
extended corner or angle as it were. What are they doing there, John?"
"Firing about fifty cannon as fast as they can. Back of the cannon is a
great huddle of motors and of large automobile trucks, loaded, I should
say, with ammunition."
"You're quite sure of what you say?" asked Lannes, after a silence of a
moment or two.
"Absolutely sure. I fancy that it's an ammunition depot."
"Then, John, you and I must take a risk. We are to deliver a message,
but we can't let go an opportunity like this. You recall how you threw
the bombs on the forty-two centimeter. I have more bombs here in the
_Arrow_--I never fly now without 'em--little fellows, but tremendously
powerful. I shall dip and when we're directly over the ammunition depot
drop the bombs squarely into the middle of it."
"I'm ready," said John, feeling alternate thrills of eagerness and
horror, "but Philip, don't you go so near that if the depot blows up it
will blow us up too."
"Never fear," said Lannes, laughing, not with amusement but with
excitement, "I've no more wish to be scattered through the firmament
than you have. Besides, we've that message to deliver. Do you think the
Germans have noticed us?"
"No, a lot of smoke from their cannon fire has gathered above them and
perhaps it veils us.
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