“Are we going up unarmed?”
“You are—but I’m not.”
Dorothy raised her eyebrows in surprise.
“Well, that’s nice of you!”
“Look here, young lady,” cut in her father. “I don’t know what Bill’s plans are, but if you’re going on these patrols, just remember that he is the captain of the outfit and must have obedience. Otherwise, I’ll not consent to your going at all.”
“Oh, I’ll be good, Daddy. But I do think—”
“But you mustn’t! Your job is to do what you’re told and let your captain do the thinking.”
“You see, Dorothy,” explained Bill, “in order to use a gun in the air, a pilot must have training and practice. Otherwise, all you do is to draw the enemy’s fire. If we meet up with this bird you’ll have plenty to keep you busy—a very important part to play. But if there’s any gunning to be done, I’ll do it. Before we go up, I’ll outline exactly what we’re to do in the event we sight the gang’s airplane.”
Dorothy got out of her chair.
“How about getting busy, then?” she suggested. “The longer we’re up, the more we are likely to accomplish.”