“Now see here, let me in on this plot,” Allison cut in.
“It seems the United States is lending fliers to China. A hundred or so pilots, ships and ground men. Their job is to protect the Burma Road and help the Chinese build up an air force of their own.” His grin widened. “Of course there will be a few odds in favor of the Japs, probably twenty to one or something like that.”
“They’d never release O’Malley and me,” Allison said sourly.
“I did a bit of snooping and wire-pulling. The Wing Commander is a mighty reasonable man. He feels that the Chinese should be encouraged a bit.” Stan got to his feet.
O’Malley and Allison were at his side at once. “When do we pull out?” O’Malley asked eagerly.
“You boys have to get your releases and then you have to sign up with the Chinese. Me, I’m one of Chiang Kai-shek’s majors.”
“You spalpeen! Salute one of Chiang’s generals!” O’Malley pulled himself up as straight as he could. “I’ll most certainly get a generalship.”
“The pay is all the same,” Stan said with a smile.
“Whom do we have to see?” Allison asked.
“You see Wing Commander Beakin for your release. He’ll put you on the right track,” Stan said.