During the air fighting when the Boches were sent back in retreat, with
some of their best planes missing, Erwin, after sending one already
half crippled Fokker crashing to earth, took after another German.
This last was a huge biplane manned by two men, one of whom lay
collapsed in his seat. The remaining pilot seemed bewildered. Already
the plane had received various punctures, though not sufficient to
prevent further flying.
"No use to let that chap get away," reflected Orris. "He's lost his
observer, and his wings are in bad shape. Our fellows can attend to
the rest of these Boches. We've got 'em whipped anyway."
Up, up went the German, with Erwin following, trying to circle round
into position to use his machine gun. But this was not easy. The
biplane, though crippled, was of such power and speed that it easily
kept well ahead of its pursuer who was yet far below. In fact, when an
altitude of several thousand feet was attained, the greater buoyancy of
the air at this stage was an aid to the half defeated foe. His vast
spread of double wings made it difficult for Orris, with his greater
motor power and reduced spread of planes, to much more than neutralize
their relative positions.
Straight into the northeast fled the German. After him came Erwin,
still below and striving to get onto his adversary's tail. But despite
all he could do, it failed to bring him within the proper distance for
direct attack.
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