get back under our own flag, we did it hoping we'd
go to the front--not to the rear. This sudden order comes because pilots
are needed. The better trained they are, the better our chances for
victory. I'm not boasting, sir, but McGee and I have been in action. We
can be a help."

"Yes, yes. Of course. I'd like to have you in my squadron, well enough,
but what about the red tape?"

"Wait until it catches up with us. Don't go looking for red tape to
fetter us," Larkin replied.

"Hum-m!" Cowan mused. He knew, none better, that here before him stood
two excellent pilots with a wealth of combat experience. If he sent them
back, doubtless some other squadron would draw them, and that squadron
commander would be the gainer, he the loser. Still, he had no authority
for taking them along. An assignment order would doubtless reach them
within twenty-four or forty-eight hours. Still and all, he considered,
much can happen in that time--especially to an untried squadron going
into action. Such pilots as these were scarce, and many were the
commanders who would seek them. "Well," he said at last, "just what
would you do in my place?"

It was a fair question, and one seldom heard from the lips of a
commanding officer. Coming from Cowan, it was doubly surprising, and
effectively blocked all pleas founded on sentiment and sympathy.

Now Larkin was stumped, but McGee was ready to take up the gage.

"Major Cowan, I have been in the service long enough to know that the
wise army man always gets out from under. Pass the buck. It's the grand
old game. But I see a way out. If I were in your position I would direct
the issue of an order sending us back. But," he added as Cowan evidenced
surprise, "I'd manage to have that order mislaid in the excitement."

Cowan nervously paced back and forth. Suddenly he wheeled in decision.
"No," he said, "I won't pass the buck; I won't shift the responsibility.
Passing the buck in training may be all very well, but a commander who
does so in action is not fitted for command. We are on the eve of
action. Report to Lieutenant Mullins, gentlemen, and tell him I said you
were to go along. See that your ships are ready at four a.m." He turned
and walked rapidly toward a group of ground men who were loading a
truck.

Larkin's eyes became wide with astonishment. "Well what do you know
about that! Say, that bird is going to make a real C.O."

"I think he is one now," McGee answered. "Action does that to