Page:Air Service Boys Flying for France.djvu/149

144 was talked about save the one which must have lain closest to each heart there, that of dying.

That night Tom and Jack heard many thrilling deeds mentioned by one or another of those present. It was always some one else who had performed these, Tom noticed, and he admired the modesty that forbade any of them mentioning similar actions in which they themselves had borne a leading part.

One French pilot in connection with a bombing escadrille, where they use much heavier and more clumsy machines than the fighting Nieuports, was returning with comrades from a long flight into the enemy's country, when they were suddenly attacked by a number of German fighting planes.

What is known as an "incendiary" bullet pierced the gasolene reservoir of this particular pilot, and ignited the contents. The pilot instantly realized that he was doomed beyond any hope, and determined not to die alone, he turned his machine sharply about and dashed headlong straight for one of his pursuers.

Vainly did the German endeavor to avoid the contact. There was a sickening crash, and both machines, as well as the pilots, fell half a mile to the earth.

Another story that was told in a matter-of-fact way as though it might be only an account