“There won’t be any next time,” the major announced curtly. “We can’t afford to have any more exhibitions such as this. He’s through!” Panama’s burned hands and face were beginning to cause him excruciating pain and he had all that he could do to keep himself collected in the presence of his superior officer. The major studied his noncommissioned instructor for a moment, then noticing the severe burns, his entire demeanor changed. “Why, I didn’t notice before, Sergeant. Those are pretty bad burns. You had better report to the hospital immediately.” Panama saluted and the major smiled, proud of a member of his command who had executed such a splendid act of bravery. “That was mighty fine work, Williams, in getting him out of that ship. It took brains and courage to work that fast. I’ll remember this incident in my reports to the Department.” Panama smiled gratefully as the major acknowledged his salute and returned to the waiting automobile. One of the Marines, who had been an interested onlooker, walked over to Panama with wide, excited eyes. “Didja hear what the Old Man said?” the Marine asked, all enthused. “He said he’d remember you in his reports. Maybe you’ll get a medal.” Panama looked down at the man with a disgusted look of indifference. “Yeah! Well, I’ll trade anybody that medal and a dozen like it right now for a chew of tobacco!” That evening, two flying Marines, temporarily inactive, sat in wheel chairs in the cool and quiet ward of the base hospital that stood as a silent warning just south of the flying field. “I feel sorry for that guy, but I can’t help but laugh,” one of them said, looking in the direction of the bed in which Lefty was sleeping. “He didn’t even take the ship off the ground.” The other incapacitated Marine nodded good-naturedly. “I’m not so good but I did better than that. I got my plane off the ground but I couldn’t get it down!” His companion signaled him to be quiet as Lefty showed signs of coming out of his long sleep. As he slowly opened his eyes, Elinor and Panama entered the ward and walked directly to his bed, standing beside him. “How do you feel?” Elinor asked as Lefty showed signs of recognition, and her hand gently stroked his bandaged head. A look of abject pain crossed the weary boy’s face. “I did it again! I failed you both just as I failed Yale. Oh, I wish I’d been killed!” “It’s all right; you mustn’t worry,” she consoled him. “You’ll come through with flying colors the next time.” Panama tried to laugh and, forgetting Lefty’s condition, slapped him a resounding blow on the shoulder. “Wait’ll you see that concrete wall—you certainly knocked hell out of it! I never saw anyone equal your speed!” CHAPTER VI A month following Lefty’s accident during his first solo flight, the Major General in command of the United States Marine forces, called a hurried meeting of his staff late one evening.