In the meantime Jack and Stew were shadowing the enemy squadron.
“It’s no use taking them on alone,” Jack said.
“I should say not! They’ve got a dozen Zeros protecting them,” Stew agreed.
“But if they go after the Black Bee,” Jack added, “we’re bound to step in and do our bit.”
“And the Black Bee it is!” Stew added a moment later when the powerful planes, as if drawn by a magnet, headed straight for the master prize, the Black Bee, largest ship in the convoy.
“You’ve got to hand it to ’em!” Stew exclaimed. “They’ve got plenty of nerve!”
“Lot of good it will do them!” Jack growled. “I’ll wreck this jet plane in a suicide dive before I’ll see the old Black Bee sunk!”
Silently Stew offered up a prayer for the Black Bee, and for Jack as well.
“Here comes Kentucky and his gang!” he exclaimed exultantly.
“Too few and too late,” Jack growled. “Curse the Japs!” Meanwhile Jack was edging in closer to the approaching Japs. Stew was holding his breath, for he knew well that if the Zeros turned to go after him, Jack would not run for the stratosphere this time, but would stay and fight.