"And you call yourself a Frenchman," he said in contempt. He took a threatening step forward. "No," he said angrily, "there will be no pay, but I can promise you that if you don't tell what you know you will be shot right here and now." "Oh, sir, you wouldn't do that," said the man in a wheedling voice. "Wouldn't I?" exclaimed the captain. "You shall see." He turned to his men, and, in response to a signal, two of them approached the Frenchman. But the stern tone had convinced the man that the officer meant what he said. "I'll tell, sir," he cried, falling on his knees. Captain Anderson waved his men away. "Very well," he said coldly, "and see that you make no mistake. If your information is of no value you shall be shot anyhow." "But it is, sir," protested the Frenchman. "All right. Then let's have it." "The Germans are planning an aëroplane raid on the English," said the man, in a low voice. "There is a park of aëroplanes hardly two miles from here, on the road leading to Viviers. They are ready for instant flight." "What!" exclaimed Captain Anderson. "Are you sure?" "Perfectly," was the reply. "I heard the German officers talking of it only yesterday. They said it would deal a death-blow to the English." "And so it would," said the captain, "unless it can be stopped." Hal broke suddenly into the conversation. "Can you point the approximate whereabouts of this park of machines out to us?" he asked. "Easily, sir." "What's your idea?" asked Captain Anderson. "Simply this," said Hal. "I believe that by a dash we can get through the Germans. They will not expect it, and, if they did, would not expect us to go forward. Consequently, the guard in front is not likely to be vigilant. We have enough men here to make a successful raid on these machines and destroy them." "A first-class idea," said the captain. "We'll do it." CHAPTER XXVII. A DEED OF DARING. Quickly the captain formed and outlined a plan. Then, gathering his men behind him at the door, he prepared for a sortie. Among the troops were a few engineers, the captain ascertained upon inquiry, and these he placed at the extreme rear of the little body. When all was ready, the captain opened the doors and stepped out. Hal and Chester were right behind him. It was very dark, and, as there was no light in the house, Germans who were on guard, being a considerable distance back to avoid the fire of the British defenders, did not at first make out the forms flitting silently from the house. Half the little troop had emerged before a single rifle shot, followed by a volley, gave notice that they had been discovered. Then, at a word from Captain Anderson, the British charged right at their enemy. Not a shot was fired until they were at close quarters, in spite of the fact that the German fire was not ineffective. Then, as the men spread out in a long line, they blazed forth their answer, and, hard upon this, charged with the bayonet.