He thought for a moment they were going to fall, and the sickening sensation at his heart was overpowering.

But the trusty _Arrow_ ceased quivering, and then rose swiftly at an angle not too great.
Bullets still whizzed around the plane, and one glanced off its polished side, but John's first nervous jerkiness in handling the machine had probably saved him.

The target had been so high in air, and of such a shifting nature that the Uhlans had little chance to hit it.
He was now beyond the range of any rifle, and he drew a long breath of relief that was like a deep sigh.

Then he took a single downward glance, and caught a fleeting glimpse of the Uhlans galloping away.

Doubtless they were making all speed back to their own army.
He flew on for a minute or two, searching the horizon eagerly, and at last, he saw a tall hill, a low hill and a flash of water between.