Before Nancy had a chance to read all her letters the warning bell sounded for them to prepare for chow. She had only time for a face and hands washing, using her helmet as a basin. A clean pair of coveralls was the extent of her dress-up for the honored place beside Janice Williams at the table.
Every one was in a high mood. They all made merry over the best dessert they had had since they left their original camp. Through the hilarity Nancy felt an undercurrent of expectancy, as if some important news were about to break through. Even Lieutenant Hauser seemed in a buoyant mood.
When all had been served ice cream and cake Janice leaned closer to Nancy and said, “I hear that Major Reed came out on the truck that brought the treat from the Canteen.”
“When?”
“While we were out on camouflage.”
“Something must be cooking,” Nancy said with anticipation.
“Nell Streets cut her foot so didn’t go on the hunt. She saw the major and Lieutenant Hauser having a long confab.”
“Wonder what’s up?”
“Nell has a hunch we’re going to be alerted before so long.”
“They’ve really been putting us through the paces. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they sent us to the South Pacific?”