He had taken his bearings before making a start and
was now trusting to his judgment of distances to guide him to the spot he
had selected to return to the ground.
This point, which Hal and Chester had decided upon after some
deliberation, was well behind the most advanced German lines. According
to Hal's calculations, it was possible that at the place selected there
would be few German troops. He had figured to descend between the German
lines. Under the cover of darkness he felt there was little to fear
should they avoid all enemy aircraft.
Accordingly, it was about an hour later when Hal reduced the speed of the
biplane and then shut off the motor altogether. A moment later the
machine began to glide slowly to earth.
Chester, peering over the side of the aeroplane, was the first to see the
ground below.
"Land below!" he called to Hal.
"Anything in sight?" asked Hal.
"Not a thing. Coast seems to be perfectly clear. Trees near, too; so we
can hide the plane, if you go almost straight down."
Hal followed directions and a moment later the biplane came to rest upon
the ground as lightly as a bird.
Hal, Chester and Stubbs climbed out quickly.
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