human
It must be a terrible sensation to any passenger, no matter how brave he may think himself, he went on to say,
gpt
Worse even than that! declared Jack, with a sneer on his face to express his contempt,
human
Queer, commented Tom,
gpt
I can see it all as plain as day! cried Jack excitedly.
human
And if I know human nature the chances are those sailors would think of the coward last of all.
gpt
Yes, they'd leave him to the sinking ship if there was no room in the boats, you can depend on that, Jack. And now set your teeth as you usually do, and tell me again that you're not going to own up beaten until the umpire says the game is over.
human
I do promise you, Tom, came the immediate response, showing that Jack was getting a fresh grip on his sinking courage and hopes.
gpt
But all the same, I keep on groping, and I'd like to see the light.
human
For a change of subject, Tom observed,
gpt
No reason why we shouldn't, agreed Jack.
human
He's a good friend of mine and three heads might be better than two in cracking this hard nut I'm up against. But he looks as if he might be bringing us news. Ten to one he's going to say the way is cleared for us to take that long trip with him to Berlin and back in his big Martin bomber.
gpt
Too bad to disappoint him, remarked Tom.
human
But of course that's out of the question now.
gpt
I'd have been glad of the chance to go, only for this sudden complication in my own affairs, Jack sighed.
human
But why couldn't you take the spin in his company, Tom? It's a pity to break up his plans.
gpt
And desert my chum when he's in trouble? I'd never forgive myself for doing such a thing. The lieutenant will have to find some other pals for his record making Berlin and back flight.
human
You're disappointed, of course, Tom; you've been counting on that trip all the while, because its daring and dash appealed to you, just as they did to me.
gpt
Forget it, please, urged Tom sturdily.
human
It was only a dream, and, after all, perhaps it couldn't be carried out. For all we know it may be the best thing in the world for us that we're prevented from starting; for such a long flight is a great risk, and might end our careers.
gpt
Well, here's the lieutenant,
human
I've hurried here as fast as I could! exclaimed Beverly, his eyes sparkling with pleasure.
gpt
I wanted to bring the good news before you received it officially.
human
What's that?
gpt
Why, when they notified me I could have three weeks' leave of absence from duty, with no question concerning my movements during the interim, I chanced to learn that your request had also been granted. Both of you will be free, don't you understand? and the big game is now open to us.
human
Well, that's certainly good news you've brought us, Lieutenant Beverly, said Tom, accepting the other's extended hand which was offered in congratulation.
gpt
I suppose you're counting now on getting that long flight off your mind? I regret to tell you I fear it's hull down in the distance for the two of us!
human
What! You haven't flunked, Tom? I'd never believe either of you could go back on me like that,
gpt
Circumstances over which we have no control, continued Tom, while Jack hung his head and looked gloomy,
human
But the bomber is all ready and waiting! gasped Lieutenant Beverly.
gpt
And we're having a vacation extended to us, with no red tape or strings tied to the conditions! Why, the track is cleared for the biggest flight on record, and now you tell me you'll have to drop out. See here, what's this mean? There's something queer about it all, I know.
human
Just what there is, Lieutenant, remarked Jack, looking him squarely in the eye,