Then, too, he
was interested personally, for he had taken up aviation with great
enthusiasm, and as there were not many army men in it, so far, he
stood a good chance for advancement.
"The possibilities of aeroplanes in time of war are only beginning
to be understood," he said. "Of course there has been a lot of
foolish talk about them, and probably they will not be capable of
doing all that has been claimed for them, as yet. But they will be
of immense value for scouting purposes, if for nothing else. In
rugged and mountainous countries, an aviator will be under no
difficulties at all, and can, by hovering over the enemy's camp, get
an idea of the defenses, and report back.
"Thus it will be possible to map out a plan of attack with every
chance of success. There will be no time lost, and lives may be
saved from useless exposure."
"Do you think airships will ever carry light artillery, or drop
bombs on an enemy?" asked Dick.
"Well, you could carry small artillery aboard here if you didn't
have so much company," answered the army man. "It is all a question
of weight and size. However, I believe, for the present, the most
valuable aid airships will render will be in the way of scouting.
But I don't want to see a war just for the sake of using our
airships. Though it is well to be prepared to take advantage of
their peculiar usefulness."
After supper they prepared to spend their first night aboard the
airship on her prize-winning attempt.
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