Lieutenant Hauser rapped on the table and called out in her clear tone, “All nurses report for instructions just outside the mess hall.”
“Somethin’ cookin’!” Mabel said with conviction. “I’ve felt it all day.”
The nurses found Major Reed outside, standing beside Lieutenant Hauser under the palms.
“Orders have come through,” began the major, when he lifted his hand for attention.
Instantly the ripple of light talk ceased, and every ear became alert for the coming change.
“Half of us are to move up to open a new hospital. The rest will follow when this camp has been cleared of patients. The situation is now so well in hand that any on Koshu Island needing special treatment may be quickly flown out to larger bases.”
Nancy caught Mabel’s hand at this dreaded news. It threatened to shatter all her high hopes of an expedition to search for Tommy.
Mabel, fully aware of the cause of Nancy’s concern, whispered consolingly, “Maybe you’ll be allowed to stay behind and see it through.”
“I’m afraid no one will push the expedition unless I’m here,” she replied. “Especially if Vernon’s sent back to a base hospital.”
“The moving unit will be prepared to leave at once. The transport will stand by to pick us up at any hour now,” explained Major Reed. “The following nurses will leave for the new base.” He then proceeded to read a list of about twenty-five names.