The Captain welcomed them warmly.
"So you want something to do?" he asked.
"Yes," said Ralph. "We can do the work, just as well as men, and some things we may be able to do better than some men."
"And what may that be?" he asked.
Alfred laughed as he quickly responded: "Well, we can carry orders, anyway."
The officers standing about, who heard the conversation, heartily applauded.
"I think we can fix you up," he said. "Do you know how to ride motorcycles?"
At this the hearts of Ralph and Alfred bounded and thumped.
"Of course," said Ralph, and his voice had just enough questionable expression in it to show that he felt some doubt of success in getting the wished-for machines.