He saw men, spiked helmets on their heads, galloping among the trees, and he knew that they were a daring band of Uhlans, actually scouting inside the French lines.  They were shooting at the Arrow and firing fast.

He attempted to rise so suddenly that the plane gave a violent jerk and quivered in every fiber.  He thought for a moment they were going to fall, and the sickening sensation at his heart was overpowering.  But the trusty Arrow ceased quivering, and then rose swiftly at an angle not too great.

Bullets still whizzed around the plane, and one glanced off its polished side, but John’s first nervous jerkiness in handling the machine had probably saved him.  The target had been so high in air, and of such a shifting nature that the Uhlans had little chance to hit it.

He was now beyond the range of any rifle, and he drew a long breath of relief that was like a deep sigh.  Then he took a single downward glance, and caught a fleeting glimpse of the Uhlans galloping away.  Doubtless they were making all speed back to their own army.

He flew on for a minute or two, searching the horizon eagerly, and at last, he saw a tall hill, a low hill and a flash of water between.  He felt so much joy that he uttered a cry, and an echo of it came from a point almost by his side.

“Did I hear firing, John?”

It was Lannes’ voice, feeble, but showing all the signs of returning strength, and again John uttered a joyous shout.

“You did,” he replied.  “It was Uhlans in a grove.  I was flying low and their bullets whistled around us.  But the Arrow has taken no harm.  I see, too, the hills and the stream which are our landmarks.  We’re about to arrive, Philip, with our message, but there’s been treachery somewhere.  I wish I knew who was in that French plane.”

“So do I, John.  It certainly came out of Paris.  In my opinion it meant to destroy us and keep our message from reaching the one for whom it was intended.  Who could it have been and how could he have known!”

“Feeling better now, aren’t you, Phil?”

“A lot better.  My head aches tremendously, but the dimness has gone from before my eyes, and I’m able to think, in a poor and feeble way, perhaps, but I’m not exactly a dumb animal.  Where are the hills?”

John pointed.

“I can see them,” said Lannes exultantly.  “Since they did no harm I’m glad the Uhlans fired at the Arrow.  Their shots aroused me from stupor and as we’re to reach the army I want to be in possession of my five senses when I get there.”

John understood perfectly.

“It’s your message and you deliver it,” he said.

Lannes’ strength continued to increase, and his mind cleared rapidly.  His head ached frightfully, but he could think with all his usual swiftness and precision.  He sat erect in his seat.

“Pass me your glasses, John,” he said.