human
I beg your pardon, sir? he managed.
gpt
I--
human
Never mind begging my pardon! the owner of the frosted eyes flung at him.
gpt
Just answer my question. Who the devil do you two think you are? Who gave you permission to take off from this field and engage enemy aircraft?
human
I'm afraid we didn't stop to think, sir, the English youth said.
gpt
When we heard the alarm siren we simply jumped for our planes. It was like that. I realize we shouldn't have, sir. But--well, I was in the air by that time. And it seemed the right thing to keep on and have a go at the Jerry ships. I'm sorry, sir. We're both sorry, sir.
human
I'm not, sir! he cried.
gpt
I'm never sorry when I get a Nazi, no matter how or where I get him. We saw them coming, and it was our job to do something about it. That's all there was to it!
human
Not sorry? he barked.
gpt
Who said anything about not being sorry? I demand, however, that you apologize to me, and to my fighter pilots!
human
Apologize? Dave gasped, as he seemed to lose his grip on things.
gpt
For what? For knocking off a couple of Jerry planes, for cat's sake?
human
Certainly, Captain Dawson, he said without so much bite in his voice.
gpt
This is _our_ hunting ground. And goodness knows too few Jerries come over our way to make us eager to share them with a couple of wild flying mad-men. So you both owe us an apology for poaching on our game grounds. But we'll take the apologies for granted. Sit down, you two. You deserve a chair at least, I fancy.
human
Gosh, sir, he gulped,
gpt
I thought you meant it there for a minute.
human
I still do! the other said with a nod and a chuckle.
gpt
It wasn't fair of you, at all. According to Major Barber you had your air sport earlier this morning. Not cricket, you know, to horn in on our doings. Congratulations, nevertheless. Fact is, those blighters might have done a bit of damage if you hadn't got at them so soon. My chaps must have been taking cat naps. Well, Farmer? Glad to be back in England?
human
Very much so, sir, Freddy replied, and beamed all over his face.
gpt
One of the happiest moments of my life.
human
I hope there will be many more, equally happy, Farmer, he said presently.
gpt
No. Never mind the questions. I have no idea what's in store for you two. But I certainly know you were not brought back over here just to have a spot of leave. You'll doubtless learn soon enough, though. Meantime, I'd better get on with my part of the business--that is, give you the instructions Major Barber left with me.
human
Left! Dave gulped.
gpt
You mean, sir, the Major has gone?
human
Quite, the other replied with a nod.
gpt
While you two were stealing Jerry planes from us. I believe he had intended to remain awhile, but a call for him came through from your American Headquarters in London. I detailed him a plane, and a pilot to fly him up there.
human
And he left orders for us, you say, sir?
gpt
Quite correct, the senior officer told him.
human
You are to remain here until you've had a bit of breakfast and some rest. Then I'm to detail you a two-seater plane. It's as if I were running a blasted aerial taxi company, or something. Anyway, sometime today, when it suits your collective fancy, you are to fly to the Lewes Base, on the South Downs, and report to the commanding officer. Squadron Leader Parkinson is his name. He has a Spitfire squadron. A fine bunch of lads, too. You'll like them all, I'm sure. Well, there're your orders as Major Barber left them with me. Now, how about a spot of food, eh?
gpt
Report to a fighter squadron, sir? he murmured presently.
human
You mean we're back in the R.A.F. again?
gpt
I don't mean anything of the sort, the senior officer replied with a little gesture,
human
A bit queer and very hush-hush, for fair,
gpt
That's the blasted war for you, the Group Captain chuckled.
human
Nothing means very much until after it's happened. However, much as the R.A.F. would like to have you back in its membership, I do not believe that is to be in your case. As I said, or should have said, neither of you was brought back to England for anything of the usual sort. A blind bloke can see that it's for some very important reason. And certainly most secretive, too.
gpt
You're telling us? Dave groaned, forgetful for the moment of the other's senior rank.
human
It's plenty secret, and how! Freddy and I have been guessing our heads off since the start of this business, and neither of us can come up with anything that even seems close!
gpt
Phew, yes! Freddy breathed heavily.
human
We Britishers are very good at the hush-hush business, but the Yanks are certainly going us one better this time. And if I don't get some kind of an inkling soon, I'll be going balmy.
gpt
Well, I wish I could help you out, but I can't, the Group Captain said with a sympathetic laugh.
human
Sometimes, though, it's best not to know what one's in for--until it happens.