Page:Air Service Boys Flying for France.djvu/157

152. It would be serving two purposes, since not only would the lack of observers be made good, but the experience would be of considerable value to the newcomers.

Jack was greatly excited at the prospect of at last flying for France, and also of looking down on the trenches of the Germans for the first time. Tom warned him to curb his enthusiasm lest it unfit him for the important work which he had undertaken to perform.

"You'll need your head every minute of the time, remember, Jack, if it's up to you to relay signals. Don't forget their importance. A mistake would cost the French dear, as an attack might be ordered on false information that would break down, and mean the loss of many brave men."

That sobered Jack.

"I guess you're right there, Tom," he remarked, as he completed his dressing for work, even to the muffler about his neck; for with winter still holding on to some extent, it would be bitterly cold far up toward the clouds.

All around them there was a deafening roar as motors were being tested, and machine-guns fired in trying them out, so as to make sure they were in perfect condition for instantaneous use. Since the life of the pilot often depends on the excellence of his artillery it is of the