"Any damage?" Dave asked the aviation machinist's mate in charge. "Did we catch any lead?"
"Not a bit, sir," the other replied. "Not a scar any place. You must have jumped on him fast, and plenty."
"Not too fast, I'm afraid," Dawson replied with a rueful grin. "They were just rotten shots, I guess."
"Maybe, sir," the machinist's mate said with a shrug. "But you smacked 'em, and that's what they pay off on in this man's war."
Dave grinned and nodded silently, and started along the flight deck with Freddy. However, they had progressed but a few steps toward the companionway leading down below decks when they heard their names called. They turned around to see Colonel Welsh striding toward them.
"I just want to repeat that it was a good job you did on that Jap rat snooping plane," the senior officer said when he reached them. "Also, don't feel too badly that you didn't get to it sooner. After all, it wasn't your fault. Our own scouting planes should have been aloft and spotted it. It was just one of those things, so don't let it throw you, eh?"
The colonel cocked a brow and smiled as he spoke the last. Dave returned the smile and shook his head.
"I won't, sir," he said. "A tough break that just couldn't be helped. Maybe we'll have better luck next time."
As Dave spoke the last he looked hard at Colonel Welsh, and so did Freddy Farmer. The senior officer appeared not to notice for a moment or two. Then he grinned slowly.
"Neither of you would be curious, would you?" he chuckled.