“Because the small Ray guns upon the battleplanes are useless against the glow paint on the Guards’ fortress, and the Guards’ great Ray artillery will pick off our battleplanes one by one as they expose their unprotected parts while evolving in the air. It is impossible to protect the parts of a plane around the solar storage batteries, because the glow rays disturb their action. Then, again, when each of our men has discharged his Ray rod, where is he to replenish it without access to the solar storage within the Guards’ fortress? Even our airplanes, with their week’s supply, have to be replenished there.” “Hold a battleplane where we can gain access to it, so that the rods can be recharged from its supply.” “Not practicable,” said Jones. “If each man has three Ray rods, he can kill three of Sanson’s men.” “But unless you take the fortress the Ray artillery can make a desert of London.” “What would you do, then?” asked the committee leader. “Cut the solar supply cables.” “Twelve feet underground, in steel and concrete?” “No. At the heart of the world’s power system,” said the airscout. “In the Vosges. It is not impossible. The Ray artillery there is not carefully guarded; the early nights are dark. Make Sanson’s Ray guns useless at a stroke, and then storm the fortress in the old way, man against man.” I saw the face of the black-bearded leader redden with blood. “Yes!” he cried, “that is the way.” “And then we shall have two names again and life will be free,” said Bishop Alfred, musing. “Two names, as our fathers had.” All caught the enthusiasm. The committee leader held up his hand for silence. “Wait! Who will go?” he demanded. “I can. I will,” replied Jones, boldly. “I was born there. My father was a Frenchman, removed to England because he cherished national aspirations. I will succeed or die there.” “Where will you get the airplane?” “I have it here,” said Jones, as simply as if he could produce it from his pocket. Again the mad clamor burst forth. Jones, as the first airscout to come over, filled all with enthusiasm, and belief in our success. “And who will go to Lembken as our emissary?” asked the committee leader presently. “I will,” I answered. David started toward me. “No! The risk is too great,” he cried. “We need you in the Temple on the appointed day. We need your leadership for the sake of the cause. If Lembken refuses, or tricks you, all will be lost.” I answered rather sadly. “You forget,” I said, “that I, too, have all I hold dear at stake. For this cause, too, I shall succeed or die.” CHAPTER XVIII SANSON