“There’s plenty of time,” the chief assured her. “It is best for us to wait until after dark. The early morning would be ideal time for an aerial attack on the city, when everybody is helpless and asleep. There’s generally a fog over the river and harbor, too, before sunrise at this season of the year, and that might help them to mask their movements. It would take an aeroplane less than an hour to reach the city from here, so that there is no likelihood of their starting until long after midnight. That gives us plenty of time, and besides we must wait until the Hoffs arrive.” “That will make two more—sixteen of them against our nine,” warned Dean. “We cannot help it how many of them there are,” said Fleck. “It is of vital importance for us to know just what their plans are. It is unlikely that they will post guards to-night in this secluded spot, where they have been at work in safety for months. As soon as it is dark we can smash the aeroplanes.” “That will be easy,” said Carter. “I know something about aeroplanes. Cut a couple of wires, and they are out of business. Sills, one of my men, is posted on bombs, and he’ll know just how to fix the fuses to render them useless.” “What’s more,” said Fleck, “if I understand German thoroughness, they will go over their final plans in detail to make sure that everything is understood. The darkness will let us slip up closer to the house, and we may be able to overhear what they say. Don’t forget, too, that our main job is to catch the Hoffs red-handed.” “That’s right,” said Dean. “They are the brains of the plot. These other fellows are just workmen taking orders.” “I’m puzzled,” said Fleck, “to know what they plan to do with the aeroplanes after the bombing has taken place. There is not one chance in a thousand of their being able to return here in safety without discovery. It will be sure death for the aviators that take up those machines.” “Sure death!”