We are up here, representing the Flying Squadron
of the army, to experiment with a new war aeroplane much more
powerful than anything before devised; also to ascertain whether
there is any truth in the wild claims put forth by the inventor of
the latest explosive, that his discovery must make war so horrible
that nations would be compelled to keep the peace after this. And,
judging from what that one small bomb did here, I fancy he was not
mistaken in his estimate. We could destroy the largest battleship
afloat as easy as to snap our fingers. Of course there are secret
agents of numerous Great Powers constantly floating around in
Washington, trying to learn what Uncle Sam has up his sleeve in the
way of new inventions calculated to destroy the enemy in time of war.
And we have feared all along that one or more of these spies may
have gotten on our track. I'm very much gratified with what you
have told me, for now we know what to expect, and can avoid taking
any unnecessary risk."
"Would these foreign spies dare attempt to ruin your war aeroplane,
or try to blow you all up with some of your own explosive?" asked
Ralph.
"I wouldn't put it past them," replied the other. "They are playing
a desperate game, you understand, and have their orders from the home
Governments to keep us from forging ahead too fast.
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