"Bruised by a splinter, that’s all," said Pariset. "It’s painful, but not dangerous. The planes are riddled; I’m very lucky to have fared, no worse. You managed that splendidly, Ken. I was surprised you did it so quickly." "There was already a cavity in the arch, which saved labour." "We have both earned our dinner. You will pilot the machine back?" "Of course. Are you sure you are not seriously hurt?" "Quite. I only hope I get nothing worse before the war is over." CHAPTER XII--A FIGHT WITH A ZEPPELIN Nearing Liége on their return journey, the airmen became aware of a momentous change from the peaceful scene of the morning. A pall of smoke hung over the country for miles. Wherever there were rifts in it, they caught glimpses of immense grey masses that appeared to be crawling towards the city from every side except the west. It was evident that the Germans were attacking in stupendous force. Kenneth steered to the west, doubtful whether he should find the headquarters of the Flying Corps in the spot where he had left it. The monoplane escaped the Germans’ attentions, and when it came within range of the Belgians’ rifles, Pariset hung out the Russian flag, which was his surety. Locating the aeroplane park with some difficulty, considerably to the westward of its former position, Kenneth at length brought the machine to the ground. The air quivered with the shock of artillery fire; the noise was incessant. "What is the news?" asked Pariset of a comrade who had come up to greet him. "They are shelling us with heavy guns, and devoting particular attention to Fort Loncin, where General Leman is," was the reply. "And it is said that they have got into the town. The people are making off in crowds.... You have had a knock!" "A slight bruise. We managed it!" "What?" asked his friend, who was unaware of his errand. "Blew up the bridge above Sy, and held back a troop train, for the rest of the day, I hope. I must go and report to the chief; tell you all about it later." In giving in his report Pariset did not fail to emphasise the hazardous part that Kenneth had had in the operation. The commandant complimented them both, and made an entry against Kenneth’s name in his notebook. Then he said: "We have had our first encounter with a Zeppelin, and unluckily had the worst of it. The Zeppelin was reconnoitring, and Boissel went in pursuit. The crew opened fire with their machine guns when he was manoeuvring for position, and a shot smashed his arm. He managed to land, and then collapsed. The machine was slightly buckled up in coming to ground, and will be useless for a day or two." "I’m sorry for Boissel," said Pariset. "He will be cut up at being knocked out so soon. Has the Zeppelin been seen since?" "No. The forts opened fire upon it, apparently without success, for it sailed away to the north-east." "Shall we tackle it if it comes back?" Pariset asked eagerly.