Jack and Stew were up two hours before dawn. The hour that preceded dawn was their zero hour.
As they came down for their coffee they were surprised to find Ted and Mary waiting for them.
“We thought we’d like to be with you at the last meal before the big moment,” said Mary.
“That’s sure swell of you,” said Jack.
“You’d want to do that if we were the ones to go,” said Ted.
“That’s right,” Jack agreed. “We’ve been through a lot together, all of us. But Ted, what’s your assignment?”
“That’s just it.” Ted made a long face. “Our fighter squadron, Kentucky, Blackie, and the rest are to stick with the ship just in case we’re attacked. Tell you what.” Ted leaned forward. “When you get over that harbor just send word back that there isn’t a Jap carrier in sight and no bombers on the airfields.”
“Oh! Sure!” Jack grinned. “In fact, we’ll do better than that. We’ll just circle around over the sea, then make our report without even looking at that old Jap harbor.”
“Say! What is this? Mutiny?” Mary demanded.
“No.” Stew grinned. “It’s just a case of jolly good lying ‘just before the battle, mother.’”