There ensued a long discussion, in the course of which Hedley passed from doubt to confidence and enthusiasm.
"Well, if you bring it off," he said in conclusion, "it’ll be a tremendous score. You’re a V.C. already: I don’t see what more they can do for you--except make you a lord."
"My dear fellow! ... There’s just one point. I ought to have a better landing-place than that wood. After to-night’s affair I shall be nervous if there are trees about. Is there anything more suitable and safe?"
"There is," he said presently, "a little farther away. Beyond the wood the ground rises: it’s the nearest thing to a hill these parts can show. Then it dips into a wide grassy hollow. That’s your place. I’ll get old Lumineau to show three small lights there to-morrow night at eleven. In the hollow they won’t be seen by the Huns: besides, I’ll get him to mask them except from the sky."
"That’s capital. Well, if I don’t turn up by eleven or soon after you’ll know that either I have been winged on the way or that the Brigadier has turned down our little entertainment. In that case, you must do the best you can on your own."
"Right, old man. What I’m most afraid of is that you won’t get away safely. There’s no strafing to-night, and the Huns are bound to hear your engine. You’ll make more noise going up."
"But it’s dark: there’s no moon; and I shall be well up before they spot me."
"Ten minutes to nine. Better wait till midnight. Take a nap."
Burton was one of those lucky mortals who can sleep anywhere at any time. In a few minutes he was sleeping soundly. At midnight Hedley roused him.
"Time’s up," he said. "The rain has stopped, and the sky’s clear: there’s just enough starlight to show you the way. I’m sending Stanbridge and a squad to replace your wheel, carry the machine out and see you off. I’d better keep on the _qui vive_ here, I think."
Following the men, Burton stole out of the cave and crept with extreme caution into the wood. The neighbourhood was quiet; the only sound was the booming of guns far away. The wheel was replaced; the ’plane was quickly dragged or lifted to the open hollow about a quarter of a mile away. Burton spent a few anxious minutes in looking over the engine by the light of his electric torch; then he strapped himself into his seat, and ordered Stanbridge to whirl the propeller while the other men clung to the rear of the machine.