"The one coming this way is signaling," said Ralph. "Two puffs, so far, but it is very misty; yes, two puffs, and two more, one above the ship follows it. Why, we must be firing beyond the mark." The gunners were directed to alter the range. After a half dozen rounds the commandant asked: "Do the signals confirm the range?" "Not yet,—wait a moment,—I can see a single puff only; it is above the machine; the gunners are all right; there, another puff to the left; if the gunners will aim a little more to the left they will be all right," said Alfred, as rapidly as he could utter the words. "That machine acts queerly," said Ralph. "What do you make out? Is it the Farman machine?" "It looks like it," said Alfred. After a few moments' observation he added: "Yes, that is Captain Winston's machine. It seems as though he were making a dive. I can't understand it." "He seems to be coming this way," said Ralph. "Yes; but he is going down for all he is worth," said Alfred. It was now evident that the Farman had been hit. It moved through the air like a drunken man, and several times it dove down headlong, only to catch itself and momentarily sail upward again. "If he can only keep that up for another mile he will be all right," said Ralph, as his gaze was fixed intently on the moving object. The suspense was intense for a few minutes. "Isn't that too bad!" said Alfred, as he removed the glasses from his eyes. "He's gone! he's gone!" he added in great excitement. "The machine is now going at a terrific rate of speed. I know what that means," sadly remarked Ralph. "I believe the captain's all right, after all," shouted Alfred, somewhat cheered up, after he again had focused the glasses. "Why do you think so?" queried Ralph. "Because he has again righted the machine; that shows he's all right," responded Alfred. The machine was now less than a thousand feet from the earth, and was safe within the English lines. Down, down it went, sometimes plunging almost vertically, then again staggering from side to side. "He's almost down now," said Ralph. "Poor fellow; I wish we could go over and see him." "Take one of the vans, and present the order at the village," said the commandant. "This will give you permission to requisition any conveyance." The boys fairly flew out of the commandant's office. They sprang into the first motor van which was rounding the corner, Ralph holding up the slip with the red gun on the corner. The man in charge nodded his head in reply. "Hot work," he remarked. "Any news up there?" he asked. "Nothing in particular," said Alfred. "We saw one of our machines go down, and are going over to see if he is all right." "Good luck to you. Hope he is all right." "Well, that beats me," shouted one of the helpers, seated on the rear end of the van. "What's that?" questioned Ralph. "Look at the pup!" replied the man. "Say, Mister, hold up until I get the dog," cried Alfred.