Then something descended not five yards from where the three stood with a
terrible roar. Instinctively, all fell to the ground again, crowding
themselves into the smallest possible space.
For the rain of debris had begun. And for several minutes it continued.
Pieces of guns, of rocks and of all objects imaginable fell upon all
sides of the three; but, fortunately, none struck them. Then the rain of
debris ceased.
In the great German camp all was hideous confusion. Thousands of lives
had been snuffed out by the force of the titanic blast; thousands of
others had perished in the rain of steel and iron and rock that followed.
It was the greatest catastrophe that had befallen the Germans for many a
long day. The effect of the explosion was appalling.
Hal's first thought after the rain of steel and iron had ceased was for
the aeroplane. If it had been smashed they were, indeed, in a serious
situation. If it had gone through the storm safely they were
comparatively safe.
Together the three friends rushed toward the machine. Quickly they rolled
it out into the open. Hal examined the engine and steering apparatus
carefully.
"All right, Hal?" asked Chester, anxiously.
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