"That was an entirely different matter."
"Yes, sir-so I believe."
At your age you should have known better."
I did know, sir, but it made no difference. I succeeded in what I set out to do, so to apologize and say I am sorry would be sheer hypocrisy. All the same, sir, I apologize to you personally for the trouble I have caused you. Also to the C.O. for deceiving him."
"That sounds a ham-fisted sort of apology to me," observed the major. "Still, I"ll accept it.
And what do you think you are going to do now?"
"That is for you to decide, sir."
I suppose we ought to send you back to school." "Without wishing to appear boastful, I think I should be of more use out here, sir."
The major smiled. "Algebra would seem a bit dull after what you have been doing, no doubt," he remarked. Then his manner became serious again. "Now look here, young man; this escapade of yours has given General Headquarters-and the squadron for that matter-a lot of trouble. In the circ.u.mstances there is only one thing we can do. We cannot have civilians walking about in uniform, so you have both been given commissions in the field. Your names will both appear in to-morrow"s Gazette, and to save your skins, in case either of you is ever caught by the enemy, your commissions have been antedated from the day you joined the squadron. Which means that you have both been officers since that day. That being so, the recommendation for the Military Cross has been allowed to stand."
Thirty could hardly believe his ears. "Well, that"s frightfully good of you, sir," he stammered. "You may be sure I shall-both of us will, in fact-try to live up to it."
If you go on as you have started we shall be satisfied." The major smiled and held out his hand. He turned to Forty. "You"d better keep an eye on this young brother of yours,"
he said. "I"ve spoken to Major Mullen about it; he says you can stay here in 266 if you like. Either that or you can take him with you to your old squadron."
I"m not going to leave Biggles," announced Thirty, firmly.
"Well, talk it over," smiled the major, making for the door. "Oh, by the way, that dinner to-night is still on. Half-past seven, sharp."
The C.O. accompanied the major to the door. For a moment or two they stood outside, conversing in low tones, before Major Raymond broke off and turned back to the office. "
Oh, there is one more thing I must tell that young rascal -" He stopped abruptly. "Well,"
he exclaimed, "what do you think about that?" He raised his finger and pointed.
Thirty was slumped down in the C.O."s chair. His eyes were closed. From his lips and nose issued a sound of deep, regular breathing. He was, in fact, fast asleep.
Major Raymond regarded him for a moment in silence. Then, "In your chair, too, Mullen,"
he said in a low voice. "It looks to me as if it might be a case of coming events casting their shadows before."
"There are more unlikely things than that," said Biggles softly. "Fetch a stretcher, Algy; let"s put him to bed. In fact, I think it"s about time we all had a spot of sleep."
With which suggestion the others agreed.