Page 119 - A Hero of Liége

the same moment bullets began to fly around. Pariset paid no heed to them.
He had less than half a minute to get beyond the range of explosion.

The machine had barely risen from the ground when there was a deafening

report, that seemed to be immediately beneath him. A few moments later
there was a second crashing roar. The aeroplane was tossed about like a
feather in a gale. It dipped, and for an instant Pariset feared that it would

dash to the earth. During the few seconds this miniature tornado continued
the airmen's hearts were in their mouths. Involuntarily they bent low to

avoid the bullets which the horsemen, now come to a halt, were volleying
at them. Keeping a firm grip of the controls, Pariset flew straight onward,
rising as rapidly as possible.

Not until he had gained an altitude which seemed to promise immunity

from rifle fire did either of them think of turning to see the effect of the
explosions. Then Pariset wheeled round, and flew back, Kenneth
examining the causeway far below through his field-glasses.

The lorries, as complete vehicles, had disappeared. The remains of one gun

lay scattered on the field; those of the other were indistinguishably mixed
up with earth, stones, and the debris of the lorries on the causeway.

The leading files of the troopers appeared to have come within a hundred
yards of the scene at the moment of the first explosion. A few lay on the

ground; some were galloping on their affrighted steeds over the field; only
the rear ranks had been able to rein up, and fire their ineffectual shots at the
aeroplane hopelessly beyond range.