"What's the matter, Yank, grounded in some cow pasture?"
"I landed in one but didn't like it," Stan said with a laugh. "I'm calling from the navy base."
"What's up?"
"Just this. I'm sending for you fellows and you will get orders to leave just before daylight. Look out for clouds. Fly that old Defiant low and watch for Heinkels. And tonight, if there's a raid, just you duck in the opposite direction from the way the Squadron Leader orders. I'll spin you a yarn when you get up here. Keep mum but pass the word to the boys to follow you if there's a raid."
"Well, really, old man, you know O'Malley and I can keep still and we can get orders mixed up badly."
"See you tomorrow." Stan hung up.
That night Stan slept soundly. He was still snoring away when the bugler outside his window blew first call. The moment his eyes opened he tossed aside the blankets and jumped out of bed. He wolfed his breakfast and was out on the field and headed for the hangar where the three Hawks were taking flying shape.
Allison and O'Malley came in before nine o'clock. Allison was flying the ship. He smiled thinly at Stan as he climbed out.
"I brought her up here. When you mentioned Heinkels, O'Malley was for hunting in the clouds a bit."
"I hated to waste a good trip," O'Malley complained.