Well, here goes!"
And he proceeded to carefully spiral down as gently as he could, no
easy job when all motive power is suddenly exhausted.
He landed in a broad shell-hole and at once began to apply restoratives
to Stanley who, very weak yet undaunted, asked where they were.
"Why, we're somewhere behind the Allied drive in what was
No-Man's-Land. But don't you bother! What I've got to do is to get
you back to our base somehow."
"You've been mighty good, Lafe. I'll do my best to help by laying
still and trying to get a mite stronger."
Here a groan was heard that caused Blaine to begin to investigate their
immediate surroundings. Nearby was a wrecked plane in which we two
Germans, one dead through the fall, and the other evidently dying. The
dying man was conscious and had heard Blaine and Stanley talking
together. Then came the groan. Instantly Blaine, rushing over,
recognized him.
"Why, it is Herman Bauer!" he exclaimed, as much for Stanley's benefit
as to show Bauer that he recognized him. "Anything I can do for you,
Bauer?"
"N-nein -- no," Bauer corrected himself. "I've got mine. Himmel! Eet
vas to me coming I guess -- vat?"
Here Bauer was seized by another convulsion that left him speechless,
staring and all but dead.
Blaine surveyed him coldly.
"I didn't know you were much of a flier," he said. "Were you that
chap's observer? Well, you must have photos, plans or something.
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