oil gauge. It's an old
type that's been out of use for four years."

The tall German's face got redder. He growled something and moved away.
Stan figured he was going to report he had been spotted.

"Now, Swen," Stan said, "we're going to be friends, you and I."

Swen looked scared. "Heil Hitler," he said. "I am not to be your
friend."

"You won't get hurt," Stan said softly. "Just tell them everything I
tell you when they question you tonight."

"They will kill you," Swen said in a low voice. "Herr Domber poisoned
the other one. He will do the same to you."

"Tell me about it quickly. They won't be leaving us alone without a
spotter very long," Stan said.

"I do not know how it was done. I heard the Gestapo men laughing about
it. The British flier thought he was going to get away. He fixed up his
plane and had gasoline enough for much testing. But after he had it
running and they learned what they wanted to know about it, he just fell
over dead."

"That is quicker than working it out by themselves. Not much, but a few
days," Stan said grimly.

At that moment the tall German who had been working at the next bench
came running up. He was out of breath when he halted before Stan.

"I am to be your helper." He turned upon Swen. "Get out into the shop."

"Sorry to lose you, Swen," Stan called after the boy. He turned to the
new helper. "They sure sent you back on the run. Did you get a good
skinning?"

The German scowled at Stan. "I am to take orders," he muttered.

Stan laughed. The softhearted Swen had been planted on him. They were
supposed to get chummy while the tall mechanic listened and picked up
anything of value which might be said.

"What am I supposed to call you?" Stan asked.

"Hans," the mechanic said shortly.

"Well, Hans, we'll have a try at assembling this thing," Stan said.

Stan worked on the supercharger all that afternoon and convinced himself
that he could fit it together and make it work. Toward evening Herr
Domber came back. He halted beside the bench and looked at the machinery
there.

"You have had some success?"

"I don't know," Stan said innocently. "I'll have to try it out on the
ship."

"Certainly," Domber agreed. "Of course. When will you wish to try it
out?"

"Tomorrow afternoon," Stan said.

"If you worked tonight you could try it out in the morning?" Domber
suggested with a leer.

"Yes, I guess so," Stan said.

"Fine. I know you won't mind working tonight."