The plane shuddered, the vibration was pretty rough.

Gray Hair stood up and turned to Tromp. "To stop the bleeding, the shrapnel got a come out. See if the pilot can smooth this crate out will you?"

Tromp nodded and turned up front. He made his way to the flight cabin and took the copilot’s chair. Lady Mary removed her leather helmet, and looked to the newcomer with a question on her face.

"Your second has taken a wound. Not to worry," he hastily added as Mary’s face showed her alarm, "she’s being taken care of by the best in the business. But he has got to cut, and the smoother the ride the better the chances."

Mary set her chin, determined. "We are still over enemy territory, but I’ll put the plane on the deck, and drop back on the air speed. Should be safe

enough, and that will steady us as much as anything."

"Whatever, you’re the captain."

As she went about lowering their altitude and speed, a side glance showed he had pulled his hat over his eyes, settled back and was trying to catch a few winks. "Here’s a cool one," she thought.

Tromp did not stir until Mary shook him, hours later.

"We are about to land, best warn those back there."

"Check."

Making the return trip down the fuselage, he passed the word. Gray Hair was through, the girl seemed okay.
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