human
So you have seen them! he exclaims.
gpt
Or rather you have seen one of them ... there are two of them hidden there. Since I first marked them this morning, they have become almost like old acquaintances; at any rate, I have been able to gather what their little plan is. The man who just showed himself is the spy. His companion is squatting on the earth beside a field telephone. All the spy can ferret out with his eyes, is transmitted _illico_. When evening comes, the telephonist will pack his little box, tuck it under his arm, wind the wire on to its bobbin and the day's work will be done. You can send men out to the nest during the night, but you won't find those cunning blackbirds there.
human
But why, I ask,
gpt
Why? It is a case for consideration, you understand. If I fire upon those two Boches, within five minutes shrapnel will be hailing down upon us, and I am certain to have wounded and killed upon my hands. I prefer to keep my men well hidden and undisturbed while the Boche twists his neck out of joint, running the risk always of picking up a bullet, without discovering more than the tail of a blue coat. But all the same, if you are here to-morrow and the bush is still occupied, you can fire if you will, and perhaps you will be right. To-day, however, I am ill, and, with your permission, I vote for tranquillity.
human
We'll let it go at that, on the understanding that not one of your men shows himself while it is still light. You are not permitting smoking, of course?
gpt
I do know at least a little about the business, answered the Adjutant with melancholy.
human
If I could only scotch one or two of them to cure them I would be content. Ping! Pang! do you hear it, there's my brother idiot recommenced! Ah, well, let it pass. Peace until to-night, anyhow! I am going to crawl into my straw again.
gpt
At least, Lieutenant, no one can say you don't announce yourself! Something like a gong that!
human
Oh! Oh! cries Porchon.
gpt
Those are 105's. They are serving us well!
human
If they continue, jokes the Quartermaster,