Winning His Wings: A Story of the R.A.F.Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)
History
Winning His Wings: A Story of the R.A.F.
Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)
World War, 1914-1918 -- Aerial operations -- Juvenile fiction
"Can't get her any higher," declared Derek breathlessly.
"Let's lift these fellows out."
This they did, only to find that four of the crew were dead. The
remaining two were insensible, but showed signs that life was not yet
extinct, although both were far gone through exposure.
Partly dressed, Biggs ascended the cliff path, and hastened back to
Rockport for assistance, while Derek and Kaye, having tumbled into
their clothes, proceeded to do their best to restore the two
unconscious men to life.
"Look!" exclaimed Kaye, as they cut away a saturated jersey from the
elder of the two men. "Dirty work here, by Jove!"
For in the bluish flesh of the sailor's shoulder were three small
punctures--unmistakable indication of machine-gun fire. The other man
had likewise been hit, a bullet having completely passed through his
neck, and two more just above the knee.
Deftly the two cadets set about their task of restoring animation.
Regardless of time, they worked in the rapidly-fading light, without
any indication that their work was showing any signs of success.
In about an hour Biggs returned, accompanied by a doctor, a couple of
policemen, a dozen sturdy fishermen, and a section of the Rockport
ambulance workers. By the aid of ropes, the still unconscious men
were hauled to the top of the cliffs and carried off on stretchers.
With the help of plenty of strong and willing hands, the waterlogged
whaler, with its ghastly contents, was dragged above high-water
mark--a tell-tale record of the infamous activities of the modern
Hun.
"There's nothing more for us to do," remarked Kaye, as the sad
procession wended its way to the town.
"Isn't there?" rejoined Derek. "I think we'll sprint back to Rockport
and catch the lorry."
"Sure," agreed the still benumbed Biggs. "That's the stunt."
CHAPTER IV
The Night Raider
Biggs was slightly at fault when he expressed his opinion that the
cadets' share in the business was finished. There was a summons to
attend the inquest on the four murdered seamen, a function that Derek
and his companions voted a "dud stunt". However, it proved
interesting, since the two survivors had recovered from their
prolonged exposure, and, in spite of his wounds, one of them was able
to attend the inquest.
It was a plain, unvarnished tale that he told. He described himself
as mate of the s.s. _Falling Star_, a tramp of 250 tons, engaged in
carrying general cargo to the French ports. Within twenty miles of
the English coast the _Falling Star_ was attacked by a German
aeroplane--a huge machine, painted a vivid yellow, and having, in
addition to the usual black crosses, a representation of an eagle
holding a skull in the claws.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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