“Oh, one more word.” The Commander turned about once more to face them. “We shall not be alone. We are to be part of what may be the greatest fighting force ever assembled in these southern seas. You should consider yourselves highly honored by being made a part of this great fighting force.”
He moved away. There was no cheering now, for this was war—and one of the solemn moments of their lives.
As the Commander left the cabin his eyes fell on Ted standing in a corner.
“Congratulations on your escape.” He held out a hand.
“Thank you, sir. I’m glad to be back.” Ted smiled.
“What about Jack and Stew?” the Commander asked.
“We’ve heard from them, sir. They’ve got some sort of radio. They’re on a small island not far from the spot where we sank that Jap flat-top.”
“Good! We’ll be passing within a hundred miles of the spot early tomorrow morning. Perhaps you would like to have a try at rescuing them.” The Commander gave Ted a friendly smile.
“Nothing would please me more, sir!” was the quick reply. “Jack’s from my home town, you know.”
“I didn’t know, but then you certainly shall have the assignment.”