“That seems probable.” Then, reading the look of longing on Ted’s face, the Commander added, “Everything in its time, son. We do not desert our boys if it can be helped. I am sure you shall yet play a part in the rescue of your buddies.
“But now,” his voice changed, “there is other work to be done—dangerous work. This island,” he pointed once again, “is our present destination.”
“Not Mindanao then, sir?” Kentucky heaved a sigh of disappointment, for the Commander had pointed to a small island just inside a coral reef.
“Not Mindanao this time.” The Commander smiled. “This is to be a step in that direction. At present we do not have a force large enough for that undertaking. But some time we’ll hit Mindanao, and hit it hard,” he added.
“That’s good news, sir,” said Kentucky.
“Now we have another mission.” The Commander’s voice dropped. “The troops we are convoying tonight are to be landed shortly after dawn. Just before dawn we shall attack, using planes and warships.”
“Tear them to pieces!” Kentucky beamed.
“We hope to. But first,” the Commander weighed his words, “we may run into trouble. And that’s where you boys come in.”
“What sort of trouble, sir?” Ted asked quickly.
“Land-based torpedo planes, perhaps.” The Commander spoke slowly. “We are not quite sure the Japs have them. We do know there’s a landing field on the island.”