Gilbert was a man of few words, and he always meant what he said.
He showed that when he said to Henri and Billy, in his earnest way:
“The flying corps would count it a big day if your services could be secured for regular duty.”
“But we are not ready to settle down yet,” was Billy’s plea. He did not want to tie himself to any foreign job.
“It is a temptation,” admitted Henri, “yet I must decide with Billy. It’s a partnership that won’t break.”
“And which reminds me,” he went on, “that we have a pressing duty elsewhere, and now that we have given this day to show our gratitude to the kind Gilbert, it is very necessary that we hurry on.”
“All the obligation owing is mine,” stoutly maintained Gilbert; “you have a thousand times paid for your ride to Paris. Can I do any more now to get a nearer balance?”
“Only give us some directions that we want, and for possible need, something in writing, to ward off suspicious soldiers or gendarmes.”
Gilbert provided both, and would also have sent a trooper or two with them had not Henri protested against it.
He felt that having set out on a secret mission, he was going to play the game that way.