Page 117 - A Hero of Liége

After five minutes' talk with Pariset, out of earshot of the people, who had
gathered about at a little distance, they once more took the air. They had

managed to compress a good deal into that brief conversation. Pariset had
accepted Kenneth's suggestion with delight. The problem, they agreed, was

twofold: they had first to deal with the escort, then with the guns--if they
were guns. When they soared away over the meadow they had formed a
clear idea of the means by which they would attempt to solve it.

Making a wide sweep, east, north, and west, they approached the causeway

south of the spot where the breakdown had occurred. The sight of a Taube
monoplane flying obliquely over the road aroused curiosity but no
suspicion in the minds of the Germans. But suddenly one of them gave a

shout. Next moment a small bomb fell close beside one of the lorries,
throwing up a shower of dust and stones. The engineers scuttled away; the

troopers rushed to their horses, which, startled by the noise of the
explosion, were threatening to stampede.

Pariset banked the aeroplane steeply and wheeled round. As it passed again
over the causeway, Kenneth dropped another bomb, which fell close to the

first. The men on foot were rushing wildly up the road; on the open fields
there was no cover. Most of the troopers had mounted; some had seized
their rifles and were firing. But the sight of the aeroplane wheeling again

struck them with panic, and with a shout they dashed after their comrades,
galloping across the fields.

The aeroplane followed up the fugitives. Owing to its speed, Pariset had to
steer a zigzag course in order not to overtake them. Each time it wheeled he

contrived to bring it close behind the rearmost horseman, like a sheep dog
driving a flock, and Kenneth dropped a bomb to hurry the pace.

They kept up the chase for some minutes; then, there being no sign of
rallying, they darted back to the causeway, where the traction engines and

lorries now stood deserted. The level field on one side afforded a good
alighting place. They came to the ground, sprang from their seats, and as

they ran to the causeway noticed one or two men lying wounded.