“You’re disappointed, of course, Tom; you’ve been counting on that trip all the while, because its daring and dash appealed to you, just as they did to me.”

“Forget it, please,” urged Tom sturdily.  “It was only a dream, and, after all, perhaps it couldn’t be carried out.  For all we know it may be the best thing in the world for us that we’re prevented from starting; for such a long flight is a great risk, and might end our careers.”

“Well, here’s the lieutenant,” said Jack, turning to greet the newcomer, and striving to look natural, though it cost him a great effort.

“I’ve hurried here as fast as I could!” exclaimed Beverly, his eyes sparkling with pleasure.  “I wanted to bring the good news before you received it officially.”

“What’s that?” demanded Jack, turning a puzzled look toward his chum.

“Why, when they notified me I could have three weeks’ leave of absence from duty, with no question concerning my movements during the interim, I chanced to learn that your request had also been granted.  Both of you will be free, don’t you understand? and the big game is now open to us.”

“Well, that’s certainly good news you’ve brought us, Lieutenant Beverly,” said Tom, accepting the other’s extended hand which was offered in congratulation.  “I suppose you’re counting now on getting that long flight off your mind?  I regret to tell you I fear it’s hull down in the distance for the two of us!”

“What!  You haven’t flunked, Tom?  I’d never believe either of you could go back on me like that,” cried the other, looking sorely distressed and bitterly disappointed.

“Circumstances over which we have no control,” continued Tom, while Jack hung his head and looked gloomy, “have arisen to knock our plans galley-west.  Much as we’d be pleased to make the game, we simply can’t do it.”

“But the bomber is all ready and waiting!” gasped Lieutenant Beverly.  “And we’re having a vacation extended to us, with no red tape or strings tied to the conditions!  Why, the track is cleared for the biggest flight on record, and now you tell me you’ll have to drop out.  See here, what’s this mean?  There’s something queer about it all, I know.”

“Just what there is, Lieutenant,” remarked Jack, looking him squarely in the eye, “and it’s only right you should know the reason.  Tom might go along with you, but he absolutely refuses to leave me alone to fight against the slickest scoundrel living.  Now listen, and I’ll sketch the whole story for you.”

This he proceeded to do rapidly, omitting nothing that seemed of moment.  When the meddler’s secret work in tampering with their plane before they went up on the night raid was mentioned, the flight lieutenant’s eyes flashed with indignation.  Being a pilot himself he could appreciate such rank treachery better than any layman could.

“That’s how the land lies,” said Jack in conclusion.  “And you understand now just why we must disappoint you, and make you look elsewhere for two companions on your trip to Berlin to frighten the Huns.  It breaks my heart to decline, but this other matter must take my whole attention.”