"Not too cautious, I hope, sir!" came promptly from Blaine, while Orris
smiled behind his sleeve. "A pilot has to risk things, you know."

"Don't interrupt!" Anson ordered sharply, though his eyes twinkled.
"You know what I mean. Can you bring the plane back, Erwin, if
anything happens to Blaine?"

"Yes, sir, I think so. I've often flown before, alone --"

"Under fire?" This sharp reply from the Sergeant.

"I was in the last raid after Vimy Ridge, Sir. Brenzer, the pilot, was
killed. I managed to get back to our lines."

"You been over some time?"

"Yes, Sir. Only part of the time I was stationed at Aldershot, as
assistant trainer for a bunch of raw rookies from our side."

One long look at both Anson gave, then turned away with:

"You'll do. Both of you be on hand for chow at regular time. Then
await instructions." He waved them off.





CHAPTER II