Page 103 - A Hero of Liége

CHAPTER XII

--A FIGHT WITH A ZEPPELIN

Nearing Liege on their return journey, the airmen became aware of a
momentous change from the peaceful scene of the morning. A pall of

smoke hung over the country for miles. Wherever there were rifts in it, they
caught glimpses of immense grey masses that appeared to be crawling

towards the city from every side except the west. It was evident that the
Germans were attacking in stupendous force.

Kenneth steered to the west, doubtful whether he should find the
headquarters of the Flying Corps in the spot where he had left it. The

monoplane escaped the Germans' attentions, and when it came within range
of the Belgians' rifles, Pariset hung out the Russian flag, which was his
surety.

Locating the aeroplane park with some difficulty, considerably to the

westward of its former position, Kenneth at length brought the machine to
the ground. The air quivered with the shock of artillery fire; the noise was
incessant.

"What is the news?" asked Pariset of a comrade who had come up to greet

him.

"They are shelling us with heavy guns, and devoting particular attention to

Fort Loncin, where General Leman is," was the reply. "And it is said that
they have got into the town. The people are making off in crowds.... You

have had a knock!"

"A slight bruise. We managed it!"

"What?" asked his friend, who was unaware of his errand.

"Blew up the bridge above Sy, and held back a troop train, for the rest of
the day, I hope. I must go and report to the chief; tell you all about it later."