“I shall take off at dawn, sir.”
“Good! And here’s luck to you. Do your best. We shall need those men in our next effort.”
“I’ll bring them back, sir.” Ted saluted. The Commander returned the salute, and they parted.
“Wonder if that was a rash promise?” Ted thought. “Not if I can help it!” He clenched both hands hard, then opened them and flexed his fingers. “Have to relax,” he told himself. “That’s part of the game.”
He was up before dawn. He gulped coffee and doughnuts, and was ready for his plane, already warming up.
Blackie and Red were there to see him off. “Wish we were going along,” said Blackie.
“Don’t we, though!” Red agreed. “No such luck. We’ve got to lead some of those rookie fliers in practice maneuvers. They’re pretty good, but for what we’re going into next they’ve got to be better.”
“Mindanao, that’s right.” Ted had one foot on his plane. “Mindanao seems to be what we were born for. We’ve dreamed of it for weeks now. Well, so long, boys! Wish me luck!” He climbed into his plane.
“So long! Best of luck!” Red called.
“Yes, and have a fine trip!” Blackie added.