here, except air-raiding in No-Man's-Land or using our planes. That is
one reason the headquarters thinks that it is a good place to -- to do
something."

"Well Lafe," Orris spoke deliberately, "you know I am with you. Tell
me as much or as little as you please. I'll follow you to the last
notch."

"I knew it!" Blaine grasped his comrade's hand and nearly wrung the
fingers off. "Well, keep mum! Don't say anything to anybody but me.
If Byers says anything, give him to understand you are in it from the
word go, but no more. We'll win out again. Hear me?"

For reply, Erwin shook his released fingers, regarded Blaine with mock
reproach, and volunteered:

"I'll agree to everything after that grip, I'm with you to the death.
But don't do that again."

Blaine laughed gleefully as he turned away, patting Orris on the
shoulder approvingly.

"I always thought you were a sticker, Orry."

"That's better 'n being a slicker or a slacker, isn't it?"

Again the big fellow laughed as he hurried off towards the Captain's
quarters at the far end of the grounds.

The day passed quietly. From time to time, Blaine held private