"And your orders, may I ask, Senior Lieutenant?" he put the question. "You will remain here—until there is news, perhaps?"
The girl member of Soviet Intelligence gave a vigorous shake of her head.
"No, Major," she said shortly. "We have reached our own decision. Each day that passes may make it more difficult to find the person for whom we search. And too many days have gone by as it is. No. Your mechanics will look over the aircraft, and see that the tanks are full, and that everything is in readiness. And—"
The girl paused to lean over and peer up through a nearby window at the sky. A thin overcast was stealing across the surface of the cold grey-blue. She straightened up and nodded.
"Tonight there will be clouds, and no moon," she said. "It will be as good tonight for what we want as it will be any night. Yes, tonight we will cross over the enemy front to Tobolsk. And—But forgive me, Captain Dawson. You and Captain Farmer agree, yes?"
She addressed the last to Dave, who grinned and nodded.
"Absolutely, Senior Lieutenant," he said. "You're leading this parade, and what you say goes."
As the Russian girl looked just a trifle puzzled, Freddy Farmer spoke up.
"Translated into English, Senior Lieutenant," he said, "my friend means that you are in command, and that we will gladly follow your orders."
"And I'll personally see that he does, Senior Lieutenant!" Dawson added his bit quickly.