When Byers was told of the matter he first stared, then frowned, and
finally laughed, saying:
"I forgot that you had only been on duty here for a few days. When I
am detained here late, I have Pete or some of the hands send up a
certain kind of flare right down to where I live. That warns 'em I
won't be back before breakfast. Now trot right back now and let Pete
out, sending him to me. He knows this neighborhood where Blaine and
Erwin are now. We may need him -and need him bad."
Much crestfallen, the orderly obeyed, finding Pete fast asleep in a
corner, nor much put out when he found what a mistake had been made.
When they reached the gravelly levels near the hangars, two of the
largest biplanes in the aerodrome were already drawn up ready. In each
of these planes an experienced pilot was in the act of taking his seat.
One of these pilots was Byers himself.
"Come here, you, Pete!" called the captain, half laughing at Pete's
perplexed face. "You in here with me -- see?"
"You take me to Boche 'stead of black-hole? I no do harm anyone."
Pete spoke in a whining, ingratiating tone, but Byers only laughed,
saying:
"You are right, Pete. A mistake was made." Then turning to Stanley,
who had insisted on coming for final admonitions, "This is my friend
Pete, once servant of Baron Savahl. That I know. He is small and
light. He will guide us with the assistance that you, Stanley, have
given me.
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