Page 104 - A Hero of Liége

In giving in his report Pariset did not fail to emphasise the hazardous part
that Kenneth had had in the operation. The commandant complimented

them both, and made an entry against Kenneth's name in his notebook.
Then he said:

"We have had our first encounter with a Zeppelin, and unluckily had the
worst of it. The Zeppelin was reconnoitring, and Boissel went in pursuit.

The crew opened fire with their machine guns when he was manoeuvring
for position, and a shot smashed his arm. He managed to land, and then

collapsed. The machine was slightly buckled up in coming to ground, and
will be useless for a day or two."

"I'm sorry for Boissel," said Pariset. "He will be cut up at being knocked
out so soon. Has the Zeppelin been seen since?"

"No. The forts opened fire upon it, apparently without success, for it sailed
away to the north-east."

"Shall we tackle it if it comes back?" Pariset asked eagerly.

"Hadn't you better rest? You have done a good day's work already, and I
don't want to lose you as well as Boissel."

"To tell the truth, our job at the bridge has whetted my appetite, and I am

sure Amory is ready for another go."

"Whenever you please," said Kenneth.

"Very well," said the commandant. "But I beg that you won't be rash.

Boissel was a little too eager-- a pardonable fault; but prudence is a positive
merit."

"We will be discretion itself," said Pariset.

Kenneth smiled; he did not know Boissel, but he could not imagine any
airman more likely to show reckless daring than his friend.