After Tom had given a hasty but careful look at his craft, and had
assured himself of the accuracy of the report of his mechanician
that it had oil and petrol, his starter took his place in front of
the propeller.

"Well, Jack," called Tom to his chum, across the field, where Jack
was making his preparations for taking up a photographer in a big
two-seated machine, "I wish you luck."

"Same to you, old man. If you see anything of Harry, and he's
alive, tell him we'll bring him back home as soon as we get a
chance."

"Do you think there is any chance?" asked Tom eagerly. "I wouldn't
want anything better than to get Harry away from those Boches--and
make his sister happy."

"Well, there's a chance, but it's a slim one, I'm afraid," remarked
Jack. "We'll talk about it after we get back. Maybe there'll be a
message from the Huns about him before the day is over."

"I hope so," murmured Tom. "If those Huns only act as decently
toward us as we do toward them, we'll have some news soon."

For it is true, in a number of instances that the German aviators do
drop within the allied lines news of any British, French or American
birdman who is captured or killed inside the German lines.

"All ready?" asked Tom of his helper.