“I’ve heard of you, Philip Lannes,” he said, “you’re the greatest flying man in the world.”

Lannes’ eyes flashed now.

“You do me too much honor,” he said, “but it was not I who brought our aeroplane here.  It was my American friend, John Scott, now standing beside me, who beat off an attack upon us and who then, although he had had no practical experience in flying, guided the machine to this spot.  Born an American, he is one of us and France already owes him much.”

John raised his hand in protest, but he saw that Lannes was enjoying himself.  His dramatic instinct was finding full expression.  He had not only achieved a great triumph, but his best friend had an important share in it.  There was honor for both, and his generous soul rejoiced.

Both John and Lannes stood at attention until the general had read the letter not once but twice and thrice.  Then he took off his glasses, rubbed them thoughtfully a moment or two, replaced them and looked keenly at the two.  He was a quiet man and he made no gestures, but John met his gaze serenely, read his eyes and saw the tremendous weight of responsibility back of them.

“You have done well, you two, perhaps far better than you know,” said the general, “and now, since you are wounded, Philip Lannes, you must have attention.  De Rougemont, take care of them.”

De Rougemont, a captain, was the man to whom they had been talking, and he gladly received the charge.  He was a fine, well built officer, under thirty, and it was obvious that he already took a deep interest in the two young aviators.  Noticing Lannes’ anxious glances toward his precious machine, he promptly detailed two men to take care of the Arrow and then he led John and Lannes toward the group of tents.

“First I’ll get a surgeon for you,” he said to the Frenchman, “and after that there’s food for you both.”

“I hope you’ll tell the surgeon to be careful how he takes off my cap,” said Lannes, “because it’s fastened to my head now by my own dried blood.”

“Trust me for that,” said de Rougemont.  “I’ll bring one of our best men.”

Then, unable to suppress his curiosity any longer, he added: 

“I suppose the message you brought was one of life or death for France.”

“I think so,” said Lannes, “but I know little of its nature, myself.”

“I would not ask you to say any more.  I know that you cannot speak of it.  But you can tell me this.  Are the Germans before Paris?”

“As nearly as I could tell, their vanguard was within fifteen miles of the capital.”

“Then if we strike at all we must strike quickly.  I think we’re going to strike.”

Lannes was silent, and they entered the tent, where blankets were spread for him.  A surgeon, young and skillful, came promptly, carefully removed the cap and bound up his head.  John stood by and handed the surgeon the bandages.