Page:War's dark frame (IA warsdarkframe00camp).pdf/284

246 of an enemy intelligence system that from the filmiest hint unravels conspiracy and caps it with black tragedy. One pitiful case comes instantly to mind. It's about the boastful indiscretion of an airman, who didn't want a spy's death, nearly got it, then, through his escape, unwittingly condemned the man who had saved him.

After crossing the lines and safely landing his passenger he arose with a sigh of relief and started to return. Through one of those accidents no man can guard against, his engine went bad, and from a great height dropped swiftly through the night. He failed to right his machine. He fell, evidently unobserved, in a field at the edge of town. But a native living in a house on the outskirts, had heard enough to draw him to the field. He found the unconscious airman, This native was an old man. Alone he couldn't lift the airman. He returned to the house where he lived with his daughter.

“There's a man out there in the field," he whispered, for they've learned that even the walls have ears in the conquered provinces. "If we don't hide him," he went on, the Germans will find him at daylight, and he can't help himself because he's injured. He may die. Shall we let a friend die or be taken? You must help me carry him here."