Italy," the captain
began. "The details are a military secret, but it's coming and right
away. There's some spade work to be done and you are to handle a hot
assignment."

O'Malley's big mouth spread in an eager grin.

"The commander has assigned you to this job because he feels you are
specially fitted for the work." The captain beamed, but there was a look
in his eye that made O'Malley sit up and wipe the grin off his face.

"And what may it be?" he demanded.

"You are to ferry Lightnings to Malta." The captain lifted a hand as
O'Malley came out of his chair like a cork out of a bottle of Algerian
wine. "This is dangerous business. You may have to fight your way
through. This will be day flying."

O'Malley snorted. "Fight! Sure, an' ferryin' to Malta is no work for a
fighter pilot. 'Tis a job for these new colleens you got in the ferry
service."

"Colonel's orders," the captain said curtly. "And the planes are to be
landed in Malta in fighting trim. As soon as I round up a couple of men
to work with you, I'll give you a call. Get set, because I'll need you
any hour now."

O'Malley leaned forward and there was a dark gleam in his eyes. "Did you
say fight our way through?" he asked.

"If necessary, but I understand you are a stunting fool. You shouldn't
have to fire a shot on any trip. The planes are not to be shot up. They
are for combat use in the invasion."

O'Malley was on his feet. "Foine," he said sweetly. "'Tis a nice job,
sor, an' I'm appreciatin' it."

The captain fixed him with a suspicious eye. This ferry job had been
tough to fill. It was vitally important and demanded experienced fighter
pilots, but none of the men wanted it. Captain Marks had not been able
to get a single man to accept the job. He was relieved when the colonel
had sent over word that O'Malley would serve as flight leader. But he
still had to locate two men to work with the Irishman. O'Malley was
taking the whole thing too nicely. Captain Marks was worried. He knew
O'Malley's reputation and he had picked up a few hints of how O'Malley
had been assigned to the job.

"I'll give you the names of your crew as soon as I get them lined up,"
the captain said gruffly.

"Shanghaied you mean," O'Malley said in a honeyed tone.

"The colonel will locate a couple for me," the captain answered with a
grin.

O'Malley grinned back at him. "I know a couple I wish you could get hold
of," he said. He turned around and walked out of the offi