They stamped into the briefing shack and the captain looked them over, frowning.
“You fellows lost a plane. Planes are valuable in this man’s country. From now on, you’ll be one short in formation.” Then he grinned. “Anybody have any idea how many were shot down?”
The boy from Texas spoke up, “I believe about twenty, sir.”
“We’ll make it twelve to be sure. If the ground boys pick up any more wrecks than that, we’ll take credit.” The captain turned away.
Stan didn’t feel very good. He looked at Allison. “I’d like to see if we can pick him up,” he said.
The captain turned on him. “You are under combat orders from daylight until dark,” he snapped. “If you want to go poking out into the rice fields after dark, that’s your business. The Brownies may come over again at any moment.”
“Yes, sir,” Stan said.
Allison lowered his voice. “I’m afraid it wouldn’t do any good,” he said. “I saw him land.”
“So did I,” Stan answered.
The captain spoke sharply and all of the pilots turned to face him.