They began to scatter and run for shelter, and
Torn and Jack became aware that matters were not to be as easy as
they had expected.
But fortunately the fixed machine gun on the aeroplane, which was
near the pilot's seat, pointed straight at the oncoming Huns. With
a cry Tom sprang to the cockpit and quickly had the weapon spitting
bullets at the foe. Then Jack saw his chance, and, climbing up to
his seat, he swung his gun about so that it, too, raked the Germans.
They came on with the desperation and courage of despair, but the
steady firing was at last too much for them. They broke and
ran--what were left of them alive--in what was a veritable rout, and
this ended the last danger for that immediate time and place.
Other aeroplanes dropped down to help consolidate the victory, and
the explosion of some American shells at a point beyond the prison
camp told its own story. The artillery had moved up to keep pace
with the advancing infantry. The big battle had been won by
Pershing's men, and the air service boys had not only done their
share, but they had been instrumental in delivering a number of
prisoners.
As the last of the Germans fled and Tom and Jack leaned back, well
nigh exhausted by the strain of the fighting, a voice cried:
"Good work, old scouts! I knew you'd come for me sooner or later.
At least I hoped you would!"
They turned to see Harry Leroy walking slowly toward them.
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