Blaine and Bangs were in the midst of hearty congratulations from many,
including Senator Walsen and his daughters, when the news was brought
to them.
They had just alighted and were standing beside their machines.
Instantly Blaine turned to Buck, saying:
"You and your machine all right, Buck?"
Andra, at this, regarded Lafe closely.
"I'm O. K. and so is my bully little Nieuport. Say, old man, we've got
to go out and see what's gone wrong with that little snipe Orry, eh?"
" Sure thing! Orry is a good fellow. I'm with you."
The next instant Blaine was back in his seat. He turned to the
mechanic who had just finished examining the machine.
"Fill up the tank, Bill," he said. "And hand me out a few more sheaves
of ammunition. Sure you've got enough, too, Buck?"
"Do you -- do you -- you don't mean that you two are going up again?"
queried Andra, and for an instant Blaine detected something about her
that betokened a more than casual interest.
"It's my -- it's our duty to go, Miss Walsen," said he, meeting her
eyes sympathetically. "Erwin is one of our best men. He's a true spad
pilot. Besides that, he and I are great cronies. Buck feels the same
way."
"Oh, I -- I think I understand." But she spoke with a certain
repressed agitation. If Lafe had been less se1f-conscious he would
have understood and doubtless felt flattered.
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