human
Do you suppose we failed horribly at the Commando school, he said,
gpt
I don't mean to boast, he said slowly,
human
Make that a bit clearer, Freddy said.
gpt
I don't quite follow you. What thought?
human
The Commando business, Dave replied with a little gesture.
gpt
We took the training because Colonel Welsh thought it would be a good idea. Does that mean we're Commandos from now on? _Are_ we waiting for Commando orders? Or are we waiting for further orders from Colonel Welsh?
human
Good grief, yes! the English youth gasped, and smiled faintly.
gpt
Fact is, though, I've been so jammed full of Commando tactics these last five weeks, that it didn't even occur to me that we might not continue along that line. Quite, Dave! Ten to one the Commando business is all behind us, and we're simply waiting for Colonel Welsh to dig us up another Air Intelligence assignment. But somehow--
human
Somehow you hope not, Freddy? Dave asked softly.
gpt
That what you mean, pal?
human
Frankly, yes, he said.
gpt
I enjoyed every minute of that Commando school. I fancy I'd like the chance to put into actual practice a bit of what I learned. Quite! It would be a bit satisfying to take a knife away from some Nazi blighter and toss him over my shoulder, the way they taught us.
human
You can say that again! Dave chuckled.
gpt
I received a lot of lumps learning that bit of self-defense. I sure would like to try it out on a Nazi tramp. And no rubber knife, either, like the instructor used. But, heck! I guess we're just hollering down the rain barrel, pal. Commando and Yank Ranger units are being formed in England, not here. That's where the finishing touches are put on. After all, we're a couple of pilots, not infantrymen. No, I guess Colonel Welsh figured it might be a good idea to round out our combat education a bit. So he suggested that we take the course.
human
Probably, Freddy agreed with an unhappy sigh.
gpt
Just a bit of schooling to keep us out of trouble while he decided what job to set us at next. Oh well, I enjoyed the schooling--thoroughly!
human
It was fun, and how, Dave grunted.
gpt
But I sure hate to have all these tough muscles I built up go to waste. Doggone you, Freddy! Seeing you shovel that extra slab of pie into your face has made me hungry again! I guess I'll join you, at that. But without the tea!