Instantly they scattered for such shelter as was obtainable. Other
bombs fell and for a few minutes the scene was indescribable. They saw
from the shelter both their own machines shattered too badly for
further immediate use, though the Fokker remained untouched, it being
some distance off and partially under the protecting shadow of a half
ruined arch of the chateau that overhung the main approach.
Also they heard the whirring swish of the passing squadron as it
circled over the buildings. It afterwards appeared that the chateau
owner was for some reason specially obnoxious to the Germans in
Belgium. At last the bombing apparently ceased, but even this was
deceptive. Both Blaine and Erwin, followed at a little distance by
Stanley, ran out to look into the damage done to their machines. In
the darkness this was slow work. A fire was lighted, and while still
examining the wrecks another whirring overhead sounded.
Stanley discreetly dodged under another projecting abutment, when down
dropped another bomb, probably thrown at a venture from some scattering
member of the squad that had just passed. From his shelter Stanley was
horrified to see both Blaine and Erwin, who were near the fire, thrown
violently down as the bomb burst appallingly near where they were
crouched. They; did not rise again.
Without waiting to see if other bombs might fall, the observer ran
forward in great perturbation.
Pages:
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136