The Rangers all scrambled to their feet, and after Captain Bradley had asked a few questions and given some directions Steve introduced the Radio Boys to him.
“Here are the aviators I told you I was going to enlist, Captain,” said Steve. “They just landed a few hours ago.”
“Good enough,” said the leader, heartily, and he shook hands with each in turn. “You’re a mighty welcome addition to our force. We’ve got plenty of work cut out for you, too.”
“We’ll do our best to make good,” said Phil. “After some of the stories we’ve heard about these cowardly raiders, we’ll be glad to go on the warpath any time you say.”
“That’s the spirit,” said the Captain, approvingly. “You’d better spend the next few days in getting acquainted and learning something of the country, though. I suppose your plane will require some attention after such a long drill, too.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we could find something to do on it,” grinned Phil. “We like to keep it in good shape, and Dick here is a regular bug. He can worry more about a thousandth of an inch play in a bearing than anyone else I know.”
“Well, it’s best to be on the safe side,” said Captain Bradley. “I understand from Steve that your plane is equipped with a wireless set, too.”
“Yes, sir, we put that on after we decided to join the Rangers,” said Phil.
“You can join right now, if you want to,” said the Captain heartily. “That’s entirely up to you, though, you know.”
“The sooner the better, as far as I’m concerned,” said Phil, glancing at his friends, who both nodded. “I guess we’re ready if you are, sir.”