“Would you like it?” Isabelle asked.
There came no answer for a moment. Then in slow, even tones, Gale said:
“No. I wouldn’t like it a bit. This is my destiny. I’m in it to the finish, and wouldn’t miss it for worlds.
“Tokio,” she whispered softly, “is my destination.” And she really meant it.
CHAPTER XII
The Unseen Highway
They drove for what seemed to Gale endless hours. Smooth, paved roads gave way to hard surfaced ones with many bumps, but still they roared on. In their open car, with the air constantly beating on their faces, they became very sleepy, but Gale was determined to stay awake. This, she knew, was to be one of the memorable nights of her life. They were going forth to battle, even ahead of the big push, the army. Yes, this was a big night.
Gale thought of the words spoken by her father just before they started.
“Gale,”—his voice had been almost somber—“In the army you’ll be what you young people call ‘pushed around’. You won’t like it. For years—”
“For years you’ve been trying to push me around!” she had put in with a sly smile. “And you think you didn’t succeed. Dear old Dad, you succeeded better than you knew. Anyway, you’re proud of me now, aren’t you?”
“Yes! Yes! Of course!” He had coughed violently.