“I shouldn’t wonder,” Gale murmured.
It was the same way when Gale and Jan had arrived in the shadow of the secret forest. Isabelle, who had awaited them at the tent, was in a fine state of excitement, but could tell them nothing of the battle.
“There’s been no report given out except that it was a great little victory for our side,” was all she would say.
When Than Shwe arrived from the hospital she reported that three wounded aviators had been brought in.
“Than Shwe!” Gale exclaimed. “Do you know Jimmie?”
“That handsome fellow who called for you once at the club?” the little nurse asked.
“Yes! Yes! That was Jimmie!” Gale caught her breath. “Is—is he in the hospital?”
“No.” The little nurse shook her head. “No, your Jimmie, he was not one of these. But really, do you think he was shot down today?”
“I don’t really know.” Gale’s brow wrinkled. “I saw him in a terrible fight with three Jap Zeroes. His plane was crippled, and then that was all we saw.”
“Oh, Jimmie’ll come back,” Jan consoled. “He’s that kind of a boy.”