human
Hello, Tempest; is that you?
gpt
Yes; who is that?
human
Lord Hamilton, speaking from the Home Office.
gpt
Oh, yes, my lord.
human
I say, Tempest, what is this news just to hand about aerial highwaymen romping half round the British empire, destroying wireless stations, and burning out the big oil tanks along the All-Red Route? I thought you had all these aerial criminals well in hand. There’ll be a deuce of a row about all this when Parliament meets in two days’ time.
gpt
Well, er--we’re doing our best to deal with it, sir, but it will take time to lay these fellows by the heel, I fear.
human
Have you got the matter in hand?
gpt
Yes, sir.
human
What have you done? I shall be bombarded with questions shortly; in fact, the Colonial Secretary’s here now. He’s complaining that the routes are not sufficiently well patrolled. What steps have you taken to deal with these marauders?
gpt
I’ve wirelessed to all the aerial stations, to get their fastest scouts out all along the line at once to look for these bandits, and I’m staying on here all night expecting news every moment.
human
Very well. Keep me informed of everything that happens. It’s becoming very serious. You have full powers to deal effectively with these criminals, and they may be shot down at sight if they don’t respond to signals.
gpt
Message from Keane and Sharpe came in whilst you were speaking on the telephone, sir.
human
Good! ejaculated Tempest, as he wiped the perspiration from his brow, for he had expected something much worse from the Home Secretary.
gpt
What does the message say?
human
They received my last message, sir, and are on their way home by the fastest aeroplane. They are due at Hounslow aerodrome at midnight.
gpt
Excellent! What time is it now, Jones?
human
It wants ten minutes to midnight, sir, and I have sent out the fastest car to meet them and bring them straight here. They should be here in half an hour, sir.
gpt
Have you told them at Hounslow?
human
Yes, sir, and they have already got out the coloured lights and the ground flares.
gpt
You have done well, Jones, but you had better not leave the office to-night. I’m very sorry, but I may want you. This is urgent business; we’re up against something this time, and unless Keane and Sharpe have found something out, we’re going to be beaten.
human
I’ll stay, sir, but what about you? This is your third night-sitting, and you’ve had nothing since lunch. Shall I order supper for you?
gpt
Oh, thanks, Jones, but I’d forgotten. Yes, you may order me coffee and a sandwich, and get something for yourself. You’re getting the strain as well, and I don’t want you to break down.