Page:Air Service Boys Flying for France.djvu/121

116 They had made all their arrangements for crossing the Channel the following night. There was more or less red tape connected with it, for these were war times, and the spy scare had not yet entirely died out of England, and foreigners were being watched closely.

But the two Americans had with them papers to prove just who they were, and why they were headed for France. They also met several men connected with the British air service, who were pleased to show them many little courtesies.

"But we do hope America will soon decide to come in and take her part in the job we've got on our hands," these men told them more than once.

Night came, and the air service boys boarded a train that left London, connecting with the boat that was to cross the Channel. Everything was conducted with a grimness and secrecy that impressed the two young Americans as being warlike.

"It's plain to be seen England has long since passed the first stage of the war," remarked Tom, who noted all such things. "You know at first they tried to act as thuugh it was only a small affair, after all. London was as bright as ever, with business going on much the same. It's a different spirit that's abroad nowadays.