Arno was gone only a few minutes. When he returned he explained:
“First we roll the ship out from under the trees by hand if we can.”
“That will be easy. There is a downgrade and the Mosquito is light weight,” Stan said.
“Then we get the engines warm enough to take off.” Arno paused.
“That will take a little time. We may have to stand off the Germans,” Stan said.
“When the engines are hot I will place two blue flares with a red one in the middle for a target. It is so easy. You head for the red flare and take off before you get to it.”
“Good work. You have the flares?” Allison asked.
“We keep a supply here,” Arno said. “I will place them. When you shout to me that the engines are ready, I will light them. Then I come running and we take off.”
“’Tis very simple,” O’Malley said eagerly. “Sure, an’ we better get her rolled out.”
The boys got hold of the Mosquito and rolled her out. Arno made off to set his flares. Before the boys piled in, Stan handed his tommy-gun to Allison. “You’re an artist with this sort of banjo. You stay on the ground. If any German squads show up, you chase them back into the woods.”