“I shouldn’t wonder,” Stew murmured softly.
Unlike Jack, who was tall, slim, blond, and quick as the snap of a jackknife blade, Stew was short, solid, and rather quiet.
“A message was picked up from a land-based plane,” Jack continued. “He was reporting back to his own base. That base is a long way from here, but those big old land-snoopers cruise long distances. He was reporting a Jap task force headed south. Sounds like action ahead!”
“It’s our turn next,” Stew grumbled. “Last time Louie and Dave spotted the Jappies. We’ll find ’em this time, or bust!”
“We sure will!” Jack agreed.
“Which means we’d better turn in,” Stew suggested.
They were on their feet, when suddenly the squeaky notes of a badly played violin reached Jack’s ears. “Oh! Ouch!” he exclaimed in mock pain.
The two boys wandered back to find Ted Armour, a fighter pilot, doing his best to murder “Turkey in the Straw.” Ted was the son of a rich stockbroker, but a real fellow for all that.
“For Pete’s sake, tune that fiddle!” Jack exploded.
“Tune it yourself!” Ted held out the violin. “How are you going to do it without a piano?”