"Never mind about that sun, John. America is a full partner in its
ownership and you're used to it. I've heard that you have more sunshine
than we do. Watch for our companions of the air, friend or foe."

"I see them flying; over Paris, but none is going in our direction. How
far is our port of entry, Lannes?"

"We should be there in two hours, if nothing happens. Do we still have
the course to ourselves or is anything coming our way now?"

"No company at all, unless you'd call a machine about three miles off
and much lower down, a comrade."

"What does it look like?"

"A French aeroplane, much resembling the _Arrow_."

"Is it following us?"

"Not exactly. Yes, it is coming our way now, although it keeps much
lower! A scout, I dare say."

Lannes was silent for a little while, his eyes fixed on his pathway
through the blue. Then he said:

"What has become of that machine, John?"

"It has risen a little, but it's on our private course, that is, if we
can claim the right of way all down to the ground."