Page 107 - A Hero of Liége

Pariset instantly started his engine. But before the aeroplane was aloft, the
airship appeared in the distant sky, like a torpedo of the air. There was a

certain fascination in its swift and steady approach, growing bigger and
bigger to the sight. Its course would bring it within half a mile of the

portable sheds; perhaps its object was to destroy the Belgian aeroplanes.

Having a reasonable respect for the Zeppelin's machine guns, Pariset at first

kept well away from its course. He bore to the east, so as to avoid a direct
meeting with it, and to get between it and its base. That the aeroplane had

already been seen from the airship, high above it, was proved by the smack
of several bullets upon parts of its structure; but they had not heard the
crackle of the rifles, what with the whirr of their engine and the incessant

thunder of artillery.

Comparing notes afterwards, they agreed that their first impression was
wonder at the speed and accuracy with which the Germans had got their
range. Pariset at once flew off at a wider angle, trusting to his superior

speed to carry him out of danger until he had had time to rise above the
Zeppelin. He could climb only gradually, if he was to take full advantage of

his speed. It was nearly ten minutes before Kenneth reported that they were
about equal with it in height. The airship was now at least two miles astern,
and had slightly altered its direction. Pariset now swung round. He guessed

that the Zeppelin was making for Fort Loncin, probably to reconnoitre, for
its bombs would have little or no effect on the armoured cupola of the fort.

Flying back, he steered so as to approach the airship on its flank, and
succeeded in his aim of showing the enemy that the aeroplane was to be
reckoned with. It again altered its course; Pariset shifted his rudder also;

and the Zeppelin gave chase.

Bullets whistled around the aeroplane, which by this time had risen several
hundred feet higher than the enemy. Adjusting his planes to secure the
maximum lift, Pariset began to climb steeply, and for some minutes the

Zeppelin gained on him in horizontal direction. But the rapidity of his
ascent rendered the task of its marksmen very difficult; and they seemed to

realise that they were themselves in danger, for they altered their course,
bearing to the east, as if they had abandoned the chase.