“And the recommendation you tacked on to it?”
“Yes, sir.” Pretty warm, this, McGee thought.
“Then you will recall that it did not reflect any too much credit on me, as the man responsible for any failure on the part of any member of this command. But I did not ask you to change the dotting of an I or the crossing of a T. Nor did you hear a word out of me when I received my bawling out. The army is like that. From enlisted man to Commanding General, every fellow thinks he is the only one 138with a prod in his side. The truth is, the greater the rank, the higher the responsibility, and the sharper the gaff. I often wish for the quiet, untroubled mind of a buck private–and I thank Heaven that I am only a Major. Which reminds me that I am one, and had better cut out conversation and fall to work.”
His expression changed instantly; he became again the nervous, irascible, driving commander.
“As for wanting you in the top flight,” he plunged into his quick manner of speaking, “it is because I want someone there whose eyes are trained at picking up enemy planes. Doubtless I will get severely reprimanded for bringing you along, so I had as well get the greatest possible good out of your experience. You will inform Lieutenant Larkin that he is to go in B Flight, with Yancey.”
“Very well, sir. But if you really fear any trouble, Larkin will be more effective in the top flight. Altitude means a lot–and I always feel safer when he is sticking around close to me.”
“No, I want him with Yancey. We might get separated, and if I draw an ace for myself, I should give Yancey as good a card.”
McGee smiled at the pun. “Very well, sir, but while speaking of aces, it’s always best to have ’em up. And the higher up the better. Larkin is a great pilot when he has plenty of altitude–right where a lot of the others fall down. Take him with you and let me go with Yancey.”
139“Oh, very well. I started in to ask for advice and I had as well take it. That will be all to-night, Lieutenant. No, wait! One other thing: Say nothing to anyone about Siddons going off joy-riding. Let them think he is still at Vitry. I want to handle him my own way, without stirring up any comment. If they find out he cut formation on a trumped up hokus-pokus, they would think I should ground him.”
Mullins’ jaw dropped in surprise and astonishment. “Aren’t you going to ground him?” he asked.