human
Better 'phone to the office, I thought,
gpt
Hello! I said.
human
That you, Swanson? This is Barnett speaking.
gpt
Anything the matter? he asked.
human
Not ill, I hope.
gpt
Yes! I'm taking sick leave at once. I'm sick of the work, sick of the office, sick of the Civil Service--dead beat!
human
You sound very cheerful in spite of it! What's happened? Any message for the chief?
gpt
My love and blessings! Tell him that I'm going for a sea voyage--for the good of my soul!
human
You're joking. . . .
gpt
Not a bit! I'm going to Gaboon.
human
Gaboon! It's a health resort on the west coast of Equatorial Africa--a favorite spot for day trips into the heart of the Gorilla Country.
gpt
Are you really sending in a sick note, Barnett?
human
Dozens of 'em! I left the service at nine-thirty this morning, relinquished my prospects of promotion, sacrificed my pension at sixty! Isn't it exciting?
gpt
Been left some money?
human
Not a cent! I've merely found another job.
gpt
You're pulling my leg!