ngly uncomfortable.

"You forget, Lieutenant Mullins, that a window facing a dark courtyard
provides a most excellent mirror. Nerves, eh? Well, we shall see. If a
commander seeks counsel, some are likely to think him a fool. If he does
not, he _is_ a fool. When I said to McGee, 'no flattery' I meant
just that. Furthermore, I don't mind telling both of you that I know the
regard in which I am held by some--perhaps all--of the members of this
squadron. I even know my nickname, 'Old Fuss-Budget'. Humph! A hard
master always wins the name of 'old' something or other. I don't care a
hoot about that. I don't care a hoot about the opinions of any man in
this group if only the result of their training shows a balance in favor
of our country. Am I right or wrong?"

McGee and Mullins were too surprised to offer reply. This was quite the
longest speech Cowan had ever made in their presence; certainly it was
the most frank.

"Well," Cowan continued, "I have applied the goad whenever and wherever
I thought it needed. I have been goaded in turn, and took it without
whimpering. I wonder, Lieutenant," he turned to McGee, "if you remember
the report you made on that Hun you shot down over our 'drome?"

"Why--yes, sir, I do."

"And the recommendation you tacked on to it?"

"Yes, sir." Pretty warm, this, McGee thought.

"Then you will recall that it did not reflect any too much credit on me,
as the man responsible for any failure on the part of any member of this
command. But I did not ask you to change the dotting of an I or the
crossing of a T. Nor did you hear a word out of me when I received my
bawling out. The army is like that. From enlisted man to Commanding
General, every fellow thinks he is the only one with a prod in his side.
The truth is, the greater the rank, the higher the responsibility, and
the sharper the gaff. I often wish for the quiet, untroubled mind of a
buck private--and I thank Heaven that I am only a Major. Which reminds
me that I am one, and had better cut out conversation and fall to work."

His expression changed instantly; he became again the nervous,
irascible, driving commander.

"As for wanting you in the top flight," he plunged into his quick manner
of speaking, "it is because I want someone there whose eyes are trained
at picking up enemy planes. Doubtless I will get severely reprimanded
for bringing you along, so I had as well get the greatest possible good
out of your experience. You will info