“Suppose you shove them at him the last thing before the flight takes off. We’d like to surprise him, having been a pal of his for a long time.”
The captain grinned. “It will be a surprise,” he said. “I know about you three and I’m looking for trouble. O’Malley never looks at assignment or flight orders. And there will be only the three of you.” His grin faded and he scowled at the two pilots. “We’ll only lose three ships and I guess we can afford that.”
“Thanks, Captain,” Stan said. “Mum’s the word. We’ll see you before dawn tomorrow morning.”
They moved out and did not go to Mess Three. They headed out to locate a spot where they could hide out until flight time.
CHAPTER IV
BEACH-HEAD
O’Malley grabbed his flight orders. He scowled at Captain Marks. For once the captain did not insist that he read his orders. O’Malley turned upon his heel and strode out of the briefing room. He was met in the darkness outside the office by an officer.
“You will fly a course over Tunis and approach Malta from due south, Lieutenant. Colonel Benson’s orders. You are to make as many flights as possible today. There will be heavy action in the straits and you are to avoid that area.” The officer saluted and moved on into the briefing room.
“Sure, an’ I’ll do me own settin’ o’ the course,” O’Malley bellowed.
He was met at his plane by his master mechanic. “You have two new men today, sir. I have given them a few details of your course.”