"Just what we told you," Dave replied pleasantly. "Our survey job is held up until Colonel Welsh arrives. Which will be midnight tonight."
Major Parker looked disappointed. Then he sighed, and grinned.
"Okay," he said, "we'll let it go at that. If he had wanted me to know anything, he'd have sent me a message, too. Well, as I said, the place is yours. I've got some paper work to do, so I'll have to leave you for a spell. Don't hesitate to make yourselves at home. If there is anything you want, just yell. See you later."
"Yes, sir, and thanks for everything," Dawson said. He and Farmer also rose as the senior officer got to his feet.
"Think nothing of it," the major said with a wave of his hand. "And have fun, if you can find any fun around this place." With a smile and a nod, he went through the mess door.
Freddy looked at Dawson, and Dawson looked right back at him.
"Nice enough chap, isn't he?" the English youth finally broke the silence.
"Yes, he's okay," Dawson agreed. "I guess he is going bats down here with nothing to do. That is, nothing in his own line of work. Say, Freddy?"
"Yes, Dave."
"How about walking down some of this swell meal, huh?" Dave suggested. "I could do with a walk around. And like Colonel Welsh, I'm not so keen about four walls."