John could discern the Teutonic cast of their countenances, as the two men in it leaned over and looked at the flag.

They dropped lower and lower and then flew in circles about the tree.

John, despite his anxiety and suspense, could not fail to notice the humorous phase of it.

The plane certainly could not effect a landing in the boughs, and if it descended to the ground in order that one of their number might get out, climb the tree and capture the flag, they would incur the danger of a sudden swoop from French machines.

Besides, the flag would be of no value to them, unless they knew who put it there and why.
"The Germans, of course, see that it's a French flag," he said to Weber.