"Where you going?" demanded Stubbs.
"Sailing," returned Chester. "Sailing over the German lines. Want to go along?"
"Not me," said Stubbs, briefly.
"Come now, Stubbs, don't be afraid. Nothing is going to hurt you, and we might need you."
"That's what I thought," said Stubbs. "I knew there was some reason you wanted me to go along. I knew you didn't just want to take me along to show me the sights. Want me to stand in the gap when the trouble comes up. I know you."
"I assure you I had no such thoughts."
"Well, maybe you didn't have them, but that is what would happen all the same."
"Stubbs," said Hal, quietly. "It's my belief that you're afraid."
"Hal," said Stubbs, "you can bet your life I'm afraid to go up in the air with you two."
"Come on, Stubbs," said Chester, seriously. "Honestly, we would be glad of your company. We haven't seen much of you for some time."