"Can you find me the Orderly Officer?" asked Daventry.
"Behold in me the Orderly dog," replied Canterbury, with mock obeisance. "For this day only—until next time. What is it?"
"You have a number of big bombers here?"
"Yes; a number," was the guarded reply.
"Where?"
Canterbury waved his hand in a comprehensive sweep.
"Out there," he answered. "But why this curiosity?"
"Look here, old man," said Derek earnestly. "You can vouch for me. I want to get hold of an armed party. I'll explain why as briefly as I can."
"By Jove! Is that so?" ejaculated Canterbury, when Derek had reported the details required to back up his request for an armed party. "Right-o! I'll turn out a crowd in half a shake. Wait till I've informed the 'Adjy.', and then we'll see what's to be done."
Lieutenant Canterbury was as good as his word. Having explained matters to the Adjutant, he led a file of airmen to the hangars, where the secret battleplanes were jealously hidden from prying eyes by an elaborate camouflage scheme.