“They’re going to fire at the airships!” cried Joe.

“And that means they are not German craft!” added Blake.  “Boys, I guess the French and Americans are making an airship raid on Mr. Fritz this morning, and maybe it’ll be a good thing for us.  Let’s hunt cover!”

CHAPTER XXIV

BURIED ALIVE

Even as Blake and his chums looked about for some place of refuge, the firing of the German anti-aircraft guns began.  These weapons, designed especially for shooting straight up and sending shrapnel shells to a considerable height, were rapidly manned and fired by crews that seemed to be in readiness for just such danger.

The raid of the French and American airships, quickly as the defensive preparations were made, seemed to take the Germans by surprise.  That is the only way the boys could account for the fact that their guarding escort deserted them.  For deserted they had been, some of the Germans running back in the direction whence Blake and the others had come, while a few, under orders from one of the German officers, helped to man the guns of which several score were now shooting at the aircraft high above the Hun position.

Joe, Blake and Charlie paused a moment, before seeking some shelter, to watch the thrilling sight.  On came the aeroplanes, like a flock of great birds, and they did not resemble anything else quite so much, high up as they were.  They came on in regular formation, for the day of the lone attack by an aeroplane was passed, except under special circumstances.

Straight for the German camp—­if camp it could be called—­came the flying squadron.  As yet the airships were too high to be hit by the German guns, however great their range.

But the airships came on.  Their speed was not apparent at so great a height, but it must have been wonderful, for but a few minutes seemed to have elapsed from the time they were first sighted, far down on the horizon, until they were almost overhead.

“And now’s the time for us to get under cover!” said Blake.  “When they begin to drop bombs, there’ll be something doing around here.”

“Where’ll we go?” asked Charlie.

“Oh, there ought to be plenty of bomb-proofs and dug-outs in this camp.  The Germans must have been air-raided before, or they wouldn’t have the anti guns ready.  The most likely place to find the best cyclone cellars will be near the officers’ headquarters, I think.  Trust those fellows to have a safe place ready.”

“Do you think they are making the raid to help us?” asked Joe.

“Hardly,” replied Blake.  “They probably don’t even know that we have been captured.  No, I guess this has been in preparation on our side for some time, judging by the number of craft in it.  I hope they wipe out this dump!”

“But not until we get under cover!” said Joe.  “Look!  There goes one of our ships!”