human
Have all the engines been tested?
gpt
Yes, sir.
human
All the passengers aboard?
gpt
All except the maharajah, Captain, and I expect him any moment.
human
Excellent, replied the skipper.
gpt
There’s a good deal of bullion aboard from the Indian banks, I hear, and the rajah himself is likely touring a lot of valuables with him, I understand, as he is to attend several court functions at St. James’s Palace.
human
Yes, sir. I hope you won’t meet that aerial raider,
gpt
Poof! What can he do? He can’t board us in mid-air! Besides, I hear that the aerial police are on his track, and that all their fast scouts are patrolling the mail routes.
human
Yes, you’ll have an aerial escort with you for the first two hundred miles, Captain. They’ll pick you up shortly after you leave here.
gpt
Absolutely a waste of time. The police could be much better employed in searching for these rascals.
human
Well, perhaps you’re right, replied the ground official.
gpt
They certainly cannot board you in mid-air, as you observe, and they cannot set you on fire as they did the early Zeppelins, for helium won’t burn.
human
Hullo! here comes the rajah. I must go down and welcome him,