"There are several reasons, I believe," Frank went on to say. "For thirty seaplanes to cross the Channel with its variable winds is a big feat, and it was to make sure all was well with each member of the fleet that they laid out to start fresh from here. Then, I fancy, several other machines are waiting here to join them, so as to make the raid as big as possible, and strike a note of alarm along the naval bases of the coast."
"Now I understand better," admitted the other, always willing to listen to any explanation given by Frank, for whose opinion he entertained considerable respect.
The minutes dragged. Even Pudge manifested unusual impatience, and kept craning his fat neck in the endeavor to scan the sky toward the west, as though in hopes of making a pleasing discovery ahead of Frank with his glasses.
"There goes one man up in his biplane!" remarked Billy, who had happened to turn his head and glance back toward the city, attracted possibly by a distant humming sound that was strangely familiar.
"And a second following him in a monoplane," added Pudge. "I suppose now those fellows will join the squad that's meaning to do some damage to interior points like Bruges."
Both the boys looked toward Frank appealingly, as though they hoped he would think best to follow suit, but he did not make the slightest move. Instead, he held the field glasses again to his eyes as he swept the heavens far to the west for signs of the coming squadron of navy aëroplanes and seaplanes that had left the cliffs of England, sailing high to avoid the fog that lay upon the Channel there.
"It must surely be twenty minutes from the time they started by now," urged Billy presently.
"Just that to a fraction," announced Pudge, looking to see.
"They may have met with contrary winds up there and be delayed," urged Frank. "Because it seems so quiet down here is no sign that the conditions are the same a mile high. Be patient! I expect to soon have some good news for you."
"I surely hope nothing has happened to break up the tea party, once it's got off on the trip," grumbled Billy.
Pudge said nothing more, but sat there watching Frank. He knew they would learn of the coming in sight of the fleet first of all from the one who carried the magnifiers; and hence he kept his eyes on the face of his chum.