human
Very good, approved the Master, unmoved. He lurched against the rail, as a sudden maneuver of the pilot somewhat flattened out the air-liner's fall. The helicopters began to turn, to buzz, to roar into furious activity, seeking to check the plunge. The major came staggering back. But quicker than he,
gpt
Captain Alden
human
He shot you?
gpt
Bah! A splinter of glass! And the Master shook off the blood with a twitch of his head.
human
That was a neat bull's-eye you made on him, Captain. It saves you from punishment for forgetting you were under arrest; for climbing the ladder and coming above-decks. Yes--I've got to rescind my order. You're at liberty. And--
gpt
And I stay with the expedition, sir? demanded Alden, her hand going out in an involuntary gesture of appeal. For the first time, she was showing eagerness of a feminine sort. But she suppressed it, instantly, and stood at attention.
human
If I have done you any service, sir, reward me by letting me stay!
gpt
I will see. There may be no expedition to stay with. Now--
human
Life-belts, sir? And take to the small planes? came a voice from the companion-way. The face of Manderson--of him who had found the stowaway--appeared there. Manderson looked anxious, a trifle pale. Aft, more figures were appearing. In spite of the iron discipline of the Legion, signs of disorder were becoming evident.
gpt
We're hard hit, sir, Manderson reported.
human
Every man for himself, now? Orders, sir?
gpt
My orders are, every man back to his post! cried the Master, his voice a trumpet-call of resolution.
human
There'll be no _sauve qui peut_, here! He laid a hand on the butt of his pistol.
gpt
Back, every man of you!
human
The aft starboard float--it's gone! And the stabilizer--