Page:Air Service Boys Flying for France.djvu/163



was now about to have a part in a genuine battle. Even though he might be thousands of feet above the actual fighting, there was an important mission for him to perform, since he would be relaying signals from the advanced plane over the enemy lines. On the accuracy of these reports might hinge the success or failure of the attack.

The constant roar of their motor, and the high altitude at which they were working, would prevent his hearing much of what was taking place below. Still his eyes could take note from time to time of numerous interesting things likely to happen.

He could see the waves of French troops advancing behind the barrage fire put up by their batteries, and which was undoubtedly being gradually "lifted" the further they went toward the enemy lines.

Meanwhile every big gun belonging to the French had been battering the trenches of the Germans until they had the occupants