he surface. He
was pawing and sputtering but able to swim strongly.

Looking up he saw that he was close beside the destroyer or her sister
ship, he did not know which. Something white came sailing down toward
him and he heard a voice shout to him:

"Blimey, old man! Grab the preserver!"

Then Stan saw that two other life preservers had been tossed to him. He
swam to the nearest one and grabbed it. He was shaking from the cold
water but he laughed. The destroyer was flying the ensign of His
Majesty's Royal Navy.

A few minutes later a boat picked him up and he was rowed to the
destroyer. Climbing aboard he was met by the commander. Stan saluted the
officer.

"Lieutenant Stan Wilson, Eighth Air Force, reporting, sir," he said.

The commander looked at Stan's clothes, then smiled. "Where were you
going with that Mustang, Lieutenant?" he asked.

"I was headed for home, sir. You mistook me for a Jerry and started
shooting."

"No, we knew what you were. We just bagged two Focke-Wulf fighters off
your tail. But you can report in detail after we get you into some dry
clothing."

Stan followed the commander to the officer's quarters. After climbing
into a navy blanket and swallowing hot tea, Stan told the commander his
story. He did not keep anything back. When he had finished, the
commander said:

"We could radio in a warning, but I think High Command might appreciate
it if we took no chances. We'll put in and rush you right to Eighth Air
Force headquarters. That way the Germans won't be able to learn
anything."

"The FW that got away will report I was blasted into the sea. Anyway, I
have a personal score to settle with a Nazi who is passing himself off
as a pal of mine."

"Better get in touch with the big boys first," the commander advised.

"I'll take care of both jobs," Stan promised.

CHAPTER XIII

SPY HUNT

The commander of the destroyer placed Stan in the hands of a British
Intelligence Officer. Having had some experience with British methods of
sending all reports through regulation channels before acting upon them,
Stan merely requested that he be rushed to his headquarters at once.

"Certainly, old fellow," the officer said. "But that will be a bit
awkward, you know. Everything is upset and everybody is very busy.
There's a big show in the making. I'll do my best. Should be able to
deliver you there by morning."

"Don't bother, if that is as fast as you can get me there," Stan said.
"