students from the Virginia school," said Miss Leroy. "Well, after
Harry sailed I was wild to go, but father and mother would not hear
of it at first. Then, when the war grew worse, and I showed them
that I could do hard work for the Red Cross, they consented. So I
sailed, but I never expected to get like this."

"Oh, well, everything may come out all right," said Tom, as
cheerfully as he could. But, in very truth, he was not very hopeful
in his heart.

For once an aviator succumbs to the hail of bullets from the German
machine guns in an aircraft, and his own creature of steel and wings
goes hurtling down, there is only a scant chance that the disabled
airman will land alive.

Of course some have done it, and, even with their machines out of
control and on fire, they have lived through the awful experience.
But the chances were and are against them.

Harry Leroy had been seen to go down, apparently with his machine
out of control, after a fusillade of Boche bullets. This much Du
Boise had said before his collapse. As to what the fallen aviator's
real fate was, time alone could disclose.

"I can only wait!" sighed Nellie, as the boys took their leave.
"The days will be anxious ones--days of waiting. I shall help here
all I can. You'll let me know the moment there is any news--good or
bad--won't you?" she begged; and her eyes filled with tears.

"We'll bring you the news at once--night or day!" exclaimed Tom,