As they piled out Stan and Allison saluted the skipper. “Thanks a million,” Stan said.
“Right fine of you, old man,” Allison chimed in.
“Glad to give you a hand,” Thomas said as he turned to the job of unloading.
Stan and Allison shoved through the crowds along the docks. They were eager to get in touch with Colonel Benson and get back on the job. Everywhere they could see signs of the coming invasion attempt. Thousands of ships and barges and warcraft lay in the harbor or offshore. Men swarmed everywhere, while tanks and trucks and mobile guns rattled down to the water front.
The boys caught a ride with an air force truck headed toward their field. The truck took them to within a few blocks of headquarters. When they hopped out, Stan said:
“Here goes nothing. Wonder what the Old Man will say?”
“We’ll be lucky to be able to see him at all. He’ll be very busy,” Allison drawled.
Reaching headquarters they spoke to an orderly. The soldier regarded them closely.
“Yes, Colonel Benson is in his office.”
“Tell him Lieutenants Wilson and Allison wish to see him.” Stan gave the soldier a look that made him snap to attention.