For a moment Stubbs gazed at him angrily, the while he worked his fingers
back and fro to chase away the stiffness. Then he smiled.
"All right," he said. "Now we're square."
"Where you bound, Stubbs?" asked Hal.
"Hunting news," returned Stubbs.
"By Jove!" said Chester. "Why not take him along with us, Hal?"
"Suits me," was Hal's answer, "if he wants to go."
"Where you going?" demanded Stubbs.
"Sailing," returned Chester. "Sailing over the German lines. Want to
go along?"
"Not me," said Stubbs, briefly.
"Come now, Stubbs, don't be afraid. Nothing is going to hurt you, and we
might need you."
"That's what I thought," said Stubbs. "I knew there was some reason you
wanted me to go along. I knew you didn't just want to take me along to
show me the sights. Want me to stand in the gap when the trouble comes
up. I know you."
"I assure you I had no such thoughts."
"Well, maybe you didn't have them, but that is what would happen all
the same."
"Stubbs," said Hal, quietly. "It's my belief that you're afraid."
"Hal," said Stubbs, "you can bet your life I'm afraid to go up in the air
with you two."
"Come on, Stubbs," said Chester, seriously.
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