Page 105 - A Hero of Liége

They snatched a meal, then set about their preparations. The Zeppelin being
manned with a numerous crew armed with rifles and machine guns, and

equipped for bomb-throwing, it was axiomatic that the aeroplane must try
to accomplish by superior speed, climbing power, and manageability what

it could not hope to achieve by force. If it were a mere question of
manoeuvring the advantage would lie with the aeroplane. The Zeppelin
would be at a disadvantage in that it presented a bulkier target.

After a hurried discussion--for the Zeppelin might return at any

moment--the two airmen decided to get a number of bombs with time fuses,
and to fix in front of the pilot's seat a small petrol lamp, sheltering it from
the wind by a zinc screen that would almost enclose it; the fuse could be lit

from this.

"It won't be wise to trust to bombs exploding by contact," he explained.
"They might miss the mark, big as it is; and the envelope of the airship is so
fragile that it is quite possible for a bomb to pass through it without

exploding."

"But wouldn't the gas escape through the rent, and the thing collapse?"
Kenneth asked.

"The envelope consists of several compartments, and one might be injured
without affecting the others."

"You won't try rifle shots?"

"Very little use, my son. We should only bore a few holes in it. Their
Mausers would be much more dangerous to us. We shouldn't have the

slightest chance against them, any more than a torpedo boat would have
against a Dreadnought, so far as armament is concerned. But I am simply
panting for the chance to match the aeroplane against the airship. I hope

they'll come back."

"I dare say they will, having got off scot free before. We must be ready to
fly off at a moment's notice. The Zeppelin is very fast, I've heard."