[Illustration: DROPPING OFF IN PARACHUTE FROM FLAMING BALLOON]
[Illustration: BATTLE BETWEEN AEROPLANE AND BRITISH TANK]
“Now that you know what a tank is, I will go on with my story. When the British attack the Germans, they often use tanks, which rumble along, crushing everything before them. The enemy forces are driven back in terror. In reckless despair they try to save the day by pitting their aeroplanes against these unbeatable steel monsters.
“Aeroplanes fighting British tanks are practically helpless and seldom attack them. ‘Zip! Zip! Bang!’ go the machine guns of the hostile aeroplanes. But the rain of shot and shell rattles harmlessly against the huge armored tanks. ‘Boom! Bang!’ roar the tanks’ heavy guns. Down drops one enemy aeroplane, in a horrible wake of flames and exploding gasoline. It strikes the earth—a shattered tangle of wire and wood. The aviator, of course, is dashed to death. Another of the foe’s machines is struck; and still another. All meet the same fate. Nothing can resist the tanks.”
“Such battles must be more exciting than fairy tales and novels,” exclaimed Tom and Jack in breathless wonder.
“There’s one thing our aviators do sometimes that is seldom excelled for courage and daring,” said Uncle Sam, pleased with the way his nephews were enjoying his story. “The enemy soldiers are very strongly entrenched behind earthworks and barbed wire fences. When our infantry find it impossible to make them flee, our bold aviators are assigned to the task.
[Illustration: THEY SWOOP DOWN OVER THE TRENCHES]
“With dash and bravery they go up in the air and hover near the hostile positions. Suddenly, like eagles they swoop down over the trenches shooting at the frightened enemy. ‘Zip! Crack! Bang!’ rattle their machine guns. Those who are not killed or seriously wounded flee in terror into the dugouts for safety.
“Then, quick as a flash, our men rush in and capture the trench before enemy reinforcements come up. The courageous aviators are wildly cheered but haven’t time now to listen to the praise; they must go up in the air again to protect their comrades from enemy aeroplanes, which lurk everywhere waiting for a chance to drop bombs.”
“By the way, Uncle Sam,” asked Jack, “why do aviators wear such heavy clothing?”