human
Is there anything else I can get you two gentlemen?
gpt
No thanks, he said.
human
I'm close to the bursting point right now. Anything more and I'd need a second stomach to hold it. You can bring the check, please.
gpt
Very good, sir,
human
I say, just a minute! Freddy Farmer stopped him.
gpt
I'm not quite filled yet. I'll have another piece of that pie, please. And you might bring me another pot of tea. With cream.
human
Yes, sir, at once,
gpt
There's a name for guys like you, pal, he said.
human
But it isn't polite to say it in public. For the love of mike, Freddy! What have you been doing, tossing it under the table when I wasn't looking? Man! You've packed away enough chow to feed a regiment.
gpt
I was as hungry as a regiment when we came in, the English-born air ace said placidly.
human
You've no objections, have you?
gpt
Not a one, Dawson grinned.
human
Go ahead and kill yourself. But when you feel the explosion coming on, let me know. I'll want to be leaving in a hurry.
gpt
Have no fear, Freddy Farmer assured him.
human
There will be no explosion. Good grief! Can't a hungry chap eat without you staring constantly? After these last five weeks I feel as though I'll never get enough food into me. You Americans certainly do a thing for fair, when you have a go at it.
gpt
Meaning what? Dave echoed absently as he stared across the hotel dining room at two rather tough-looking, yet well dressed civilians seated at a table.
human
What are you talking about this time?
gpt
Why, about what I said, Freddy replied.
human
These last five weeks! Or have you forgotten already? If so, I'll refresh your memory. For the last five weeks we have been attending one of your Commando training schools, or rather, I should say, Ranger training schools. We completed the course only yesterday, and here we are on leave awaiting orders. We both took English Commando training last year in England. But it was certainly nothing like the training we've just completed here in the States. You Americans really--I say! Are you listening to me?
gpt
Huh? Dave grunted, and looked at him.
human
Were you saying something, pal?
gpt
How you ever became a commissioned officer, with such manners, I'll never understand! he snorted.
human
Of course I was saying something! But don't let me bore you further. I can see something frightfully important is on your mind. You do have a mind, don't you? Well, what is it? I'll be patient, and listen.
gpt
Oh, skip it, Dave grinned.
human
Sorry from the bottom of my heart, sweetheart. Go ahead. Put the record on again.
gpt
Like Shakespeare, I never chew my cabbage twice! Freddy snapped.
human
No, never mind. I insist upon knowing the reason for that puzzled look on that homely face of yours. Out with it, my lad.
gpt
Just a couple of fellows eating on the other side of the room, Dave said.
human
I've caught them eying us quite a bit. Came in just after we did. No! Don't look right now, dope! It's not polite.
gpt
Rubbish! he mumbled.
human
But what's wrong with two people looking at us? Frankly, I think we look rather pukka in our U. S. Army Air Force uniforms, and wings, and all that sort of thing. Or perhaps I present an interesting contrast to your sloppy appearance.
gpt
Boy! You must have strained a brain cell on that! Dave growled.
human
Okay! So people look at us. But there are about twenty other officers in this dining room. And these two guys--Well, if I were going to rob a bank, or maybe kidnap somebody, I think I might be tempted to make a deal with those two. Okay! Take a sneak look now.