"Well, don't worry, sir," Dave said. "Freddy and I'll both be in there pitching."
"Eh, pitching?" Group Captain Spencer murmured with a frown.
"More American slang, sir," Dave explained. "It means, we'll be swinging all the time, right from the bell. We'll be right on the old beam—in the groove, and—Well, you know what I mean, sir."
"Er—er, yes, of course," the senior officer said a bit dubiously. "Oh, quite! Well, I guess that ends this session, unless either of you chaps have anything to ask?"
"Not me, sir," Dave said with a shake of his head. "I reckon I've got it all down pat."
"Me, too, sir," Freddy echoed with a nod.
"Right-o," Group Captain Spencer said, and crushed out his cigarette. "Go rest up a bit, now, and relax. I'll see about those infantry uniforms from Ship's Stores. Afterward we'll check over everything you're taking along. Right now, though, relax and try to get your thoughts on other things. That's all."
After the two boys had left, the group captain stared silently at the closed door of his quarters for a long moment. Then presently he smiled and nodded his head.
"Just youngsters," he murmured softly, "but, by George, they've got the fighting hearts and courage of a dozen men!"