Dave bit his lips in thoughtful silence, then started to speak but changed his mind and remained silent. Group Captain Ball, watching him, leaned forward.
"What were you going to say, Dawson?" he asked. "Don't be shy, my lad. Anything may be a help, now."
Dave hesitated and then shrugged.
"I was thinking of this von Peiplow, sir," he said.
"Well, what about him?" the Group Captain pressed.
"Well, I assume he's still connected with the Luftwaffe, isn't he?" Dave inquired.
"Most certainly, and definitely!" the Air Ministry official replied. "Von Peiplow is as close to Goering's job as any Nazi will ever get. So, what about it?"
"Nothing, sir," Dave said slowly, "except that it gives me the hunch that the secret weapon must have something to do with aircraft, being as how von Peiplow is in full charge."
A second of silence hit the group and then Ball broke it by slapping a hand down on his knee.
"By the gods, yes!" he cried. "Yes, I believe you're right, Dawson. It's quite logical, of course, Colonel! What do you think?"